“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.”
Excerpt, Gospel Reading, Monday 19th August 2024 – MATTHEW 19:16-22.
So, in the Parable of the Rich and Lazarus, the said rich man did not go to hell because he was always eating and living lavishly and partying. – LUKE 16:19-21.
If it were so, one may begin to perceive God Whom by Himself supposedly blessed one with such ‘supposed’ riches to distaste the good life.
Nevertheless, it is far from it. All other things remaining the same, if based on that story alone, his sin could possibly be linked to negligence.
The rich man was probably ignorant that he was only a custodian of all such wealth and riches he possessed in trust for God.
He is therefore required to become like the, “God Who is our provider” (Philippians 4:19) to the poor and needy. Unfortunately, he shirked that responsibility, failing woefully.
In law, ignorantia juris non excusat (Latin for “ignorance of the law excuses not”).
Put in another way, ignorantia legis neminem excusat (“ignorance of law excuses no one”).
The above all summarize as a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely by being unaware of its content.
Therefore, when we get so attached to our supposed riches thereby forgetting the giver of such riches, we begin to think and feel that our ‘god’ is our riches. Idolizing riches and material possessions.
Just like today’s Responsorial Psalm says, “You forgot God who gave you birth. . . . . . . . . . . .“They have stirred me to jealousy with what is no god; they have provoked me with their idols.” – DEUTERONOMY – 32: 18-19.20.21.
In today’s teaching, Christ is saying, in as much as having riches may be good, we must not allow such possessions stand in our way of making eternity.
Dear friend, you are no longer ignorant.
Have a fantastic day and a fulfilled week ahead, folks.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo. 19th Aug. 2024