Papal nuncio urges Catholics to use wealth to help the poor

By CBCP News

Catholics should use their wealth to help the poor, whose gratitude may one day welcome them into heaven, papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown said Monday.

Preaching at the opening Mass of the 70th national assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies-Philippines at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, he said material possessions become an obstacle when they keep people from following Christ and serving others.

The Aug. 17 to 20 assembly gathered dozens of diocesan mission directors and animators in Tacloban City to strengthen the Church’s missionary work.

Reflecting on the Gospel of the rich young man, Brown urged Catholics to examine what they value and where their hearts are directed.

He said Jesus did not teach that wealth itself is evil but called people to use their resources generously and responsibly.

“We need to ask ourselves always, what is valuable to me? What am I aiming for in the end? What is my ultimate goal?” Brown said.

He said the answer should lead Catholics to Christ, generosity and care for the poor and vulnerable.

Brown linked the message to the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, a global Church network that promotes missionary awareness, prayer and financial support for younger and poorer Churches.

Drawing on Jesus’ parable of the dishonest steward, Brown urged Catholics to use their wealth for purposes that extend beyond this life.

“We need to take care of the poor now,” he said. “We need to use our worldly wealth in the proper way to make friends for ourselves who will welcome us into the heavenly dwellings.”

He also cited the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, saying Catholics cannot ignore the poor while focusing on their own material security.

Brown said donations to the mission societies can support churches, seminaries, formation programs, feeding programs and other missionary needs in communities with limited resources.

Donors, he added, may never know the full impact of their generosity during their lifetime.

“We will see all the people that we helped without even knowing their names or their faces because of our generosity,” Brown said.

He thanked mission directors and animators for helping Catholics take part in the Church’s missionary work beyond their own communities.