Materialism vs. Holiness

Today’s readings show us two extremes when it comes to materialism. In the first reading, a king wallows in depression and a man goes to his death all because of a relatively small plot of land. At the other extreme, Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel not just to let people take things from us, but to give them more.

Do not resist the evildoer:
but if anyone should strike you on the right cheek,
turn to that person the other cheek also.
And if anyone would sue you for your coat,
let that person have your cloak as well.
And should anyone compel you to go one mile,
go with that person two.
Give to the one who asks of you
and do not turn away the one who would borrow from you.
Matthew 5:39-42

Given that there are two extremes offered, one could offer as an alternative the classic Latin dictum in medio stat virtus (“There is virtue in the middle way”), except that, in this case, it would be wrong. These are not the extremes of left and right, but of materialism and holiness.

To paraphrase an old politician: moderation in the pursuit of true holiness is no virtue.

While not forsaking our responsibilities to those who are helpless, the closer we come to the standard Jesus sets for us, the holier, the happier, the closer to Him we will be.