Q: I am tormented by the idea of God’s demands. As I read the Bible, it seems that I must give away absolutely everything to show my love — my family home, my animals, plants, pension, my car, everything I worked hard for. Otherwise, I have no chance of an eternity with God. Giving well, but not everything you own — that’s not seemingly going to count on Judgment Day. Not giving away all so that you can pay the bills and sustain your own needs at age 79 (I’ve been a widow for 20 years) — that’s not going to impress Our Lord, either. When our best falls short and often times well short of the mark, it’s not good enough according to the requirements of HIS heavenly test …. then that’s it, isn’t it? We fail. Our Masses, our prayers, our good deeds, our penance and atonement will never replace his law of extreme poverty to attain heaven. One day I’m so blessed to be a Catholic, the next week I wish I knew how to be a successful Catholic. Can you please clear things up? Kind regards. — Marguerite
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
A: It’s good that you are trying to live your faith will and keeping a heaven destination in mind.
But it seems as though you have a faulty view of God as a severe and merciless judge who won’t tolerate anything short of our embracing a life of total destitution.
This isn’t what he is asking of you.
First, it’s good to remember that any biblical passage needs to be read within the whole context of Scripture.
For instance, take the passage in Mark 10:21 when Jesus tells the rich young man, “Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
That is a particular invitation to one man; it’s not something that Jesus asks of everyone in the Gospels.
True, it’s the kind of passage that might have inspired numerous people over the years to forgo their possessions and to enter religious life. But it’s not something demanded of everyone.
Notice, for instance, that John the Baptist said, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise” (Luke 3:11). He doesn’t say, “Give up both tunics.”
Rather, God wants us to live with a spirit of detachment from worldly possessions and to share our goods with the poor.
Perhaps your extreme interpretation of this kind of passage is understandable as you try to deal with your needs in your years of solitude. It’s OK to be prudent. Just try to keep the poor in mind.
None of what is mentioned above rules out heroic charity, which some people might feel called to practice. But the Church doesn’t demand heroism in cases like this.
It might help to find a solid, regular confessor or spiritual director to guide you.
In any case, be at peace and know that God loves you. He hears your prayers and sees your generosity. He won’t forget kindness done to the poor.
