"One of the paradoxes of our time (at least in the West) is that we have so many creature comforts yet in many ways have never been so uncomfortable. Our high standard of living is accompanied by stress, worry, and a gnawing dissatisfaction. It seems that the more we have the more we worry.
"In a way, we have too much to lose; we want and expect so much that we're never satisfied. There is a kind of slavery that comes with having many possessions. If we're not careful our possessions end up possessing us! Further, they set loose desires in us that can become extreme and difficult to master. In the end our desires expand with each new thing we get. It's like a man who overeats; his stomach stretches so that he must eat more each time in order to feel full. Scripture says,
"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. … The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep (Eccles 5:10,12)."
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish,
Washington, DC) reflected on the fact that we "simply can't have it all" and that we have to decide what is important and make choices that reflect our priorities.
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: A Meditation on Being Overwhelmed (12 MAY 16)
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