Greed: How Much Money Should Catholics Have? (with Dr. Brian Pedraza)

Greed: How Much Money Should Catholics Have? (with Dr. Brian Pedraza)

Ascension Team

How much money should Catholics have? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the vice of greed and how Catholics should understand the gift of money in relation to their individual vocations and responsibilities. Together, they answer a question about building wealth while keeping in mind God’s call to stewardship and detachment.

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Snippet from the Show

"Attachment to material goods can hinder our relationship with God."

Shownotes

How Much Money Should Catholics Have? (9:58)

Fr. Josh,

I listened to one of you episodes where you talked about money. I wanted to ask your thoughts on this quote from St. Basil the Great:

“When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor.”

My interpretation of this quote is that we all should be in poverty. I've tried reading numerous Church teachings on this but it still isn't clicking. How can those of us living in first world countries ever think that we don't have more to give; especially when considering the poor in the US are still not even amongst the poorest in the world. How can we balance ideas like saving for retirement or having nice things while saying we are still disciples of God? Is saving up thousands for our children's private catholic education more important than just giving that same money to the poor? This seems like an issue of prudence but where can we reasonably draw a line as to how much money someone should have. Did God not tell us to abandon all worldly things?

In a similar vein I have been told that not all Priests are called to a life of poverty can we possibly rationalize having leaders in faith being millionaires? (Alex)

Takeaways

  • Greed is an irrational desire for wealth and possessions.
  • We must recognize our responsibility to the poor and those in need.
  • Living a life of poverty can look different for each individual.
  • Religious orders often embody the spirit of poverty while managing significant resources.
  • Stewardship of resources is essential for families and communities.
  • We should strive for a flourishing life, not just survival.
  • Attachment to material goods can hinder our relationship with God.
  • Prayer and reflection are vital in discerning our priorities.

Resources

 

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