While reading several Catholic periodicals this past week, I noticed that many of Pope Benedict's recent talks have emphasized the negative impact of individual greed and materialism. This theme corresponds to the current liturgical readings. A non-Catholic might argue that such a theme is pretty bland and not very tangible.
When I was a whippersnapper, I loved reading MAD magazine. I remember one of the pages showed a father and a son discussing politics. The father said "The difference between capitalism and communism is this: In capitalism, man exploits man. But in communism, it is the other way around."
We have all likely been involved in discussions, perhaps even arguments, about the most effective political system. If there were no greed and materialism, virtually any form of government could be effective, including a dictatorship. However, due to greed and materialism, all forms of government break down. There are oppressed people in Los Angeles, Havana and China. Why? Because of greed and materialism.
Rather than being bland, Pope Benedict's recent topics really get down to the very basic foundations of virtually all forms of evil in the world. Imagine what the world might be like without greed and materialism. When you do, you have envisioned Heaven.
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