Detachment from materialism

The homily during mass was on not hoarding earthly goods as our treasure. I'm paraphrasing here. I agree with Father. I was glad that he preached this topic yet again since we do need constant reminders.

I notice that youths who haven't got the chance to work for their own money and come from rich families make up some of the culprits. They take it for granted that their parents will always give them enough money for all their needs. With this attitude in mind, they spend the money frivolously on things they don't need but want. They think that with a lifestyle consisting of designer goods, expensive meals and branded makeup, they will be able to seem more attractive and make more friends. Such a naive way of thinking this is! These teenagers should experience what it is like to have to scrimp for meals and expenses! It's their parents' hard-earned money they're spending really!

Spendthrift working adults are also culprits. In the process of pursuing such unnecessary luxuries like beauty treatments, frequent getaways and sexy lingerie, they end up with credit card debts which they cannot pay off. It is really just "a piece of plastic" and the credit limit extended to them is really borrowed money which they have to pay back with interest from their own account eventually. It just encourages more spending.

A credit card in itself is really unnecessary and I'm living happily without one by the way. Yes, this group of people spend their own money and it's their right to do what they want with their income but I find the incurring of debts foolish.

Parents who spoil their children by buying whatever they desire are also culprits. They take it as a way of loving their darlings but it's really silly indulgence towards them. Do the kids need so many Barbie Dolls and Transformer Robots? Why not use the money saved to buy books, which have so many more valuable benefits lasting a lifetime, for them?

Retirees spend money too BUT theyARE justified in doing so. They've worked so hard for at least 35 years and now that they've time to rest on their laurels, they use their accumulated savings to give themselves comfort. Is that wrong? Moreover, their age is associated with limited health and before they become immobile, why not take the chance to travel, for instance?

Obviously, these are but subjective views of mine. There are people who are outside these categories typified here and kudos to them!

Father put a spiritual dimension to this topic, as his role requires. When we as Christians put our hearts in these material goods, they become our hindrance to entering Heaven. I'm paraphrasing again. How can we hanker after worldly riches and God at the same time? We are supposed to let go of them before entering our true home. Our minds are to be occupied only with meeting our Master and worshipping Him unceasingly, or else it'll be unfair to Him and our souls which were made for Him.

I envy the Seraphs who are always at His throne just praising Him without end. I wish I could do so too soon...