Even though we are all destined to participate in materialism, it is often considered the primary symptom of modern shallowness. Images of sport cars racing past the forgotten poor may arise when materialism comes to mind, but we all must participate in materialism to one degree or another. Getting a paycheck, buying groceries and saving for retirement are all materialistic, but they are also responsible and necessary things to do. As living beings, we must participate in the material world to survive. It is not the participation in materialism that is sinful, but it is when material things become our God that can lead to idolatry and excess that we may expect. The reality of materialism in our Christian life is also a necessity that can easily turn sinful. Recently a televangelist asked his viewers to buy him a new private jet so he would not have to sit with the sinners on commercial airliners. The absurdity and excessiveness of his request is clear, and his excessive materialism deserves the scorn he has received; however, to condemn the material world outright might be throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Blessings,
Fr. Nick
