Pope: Riches can bind the heart and distract it from the true treasure that is in heaven

At the Angelus, Pope Francis explains the parable of the rich fool who "in practice denied God, did not reckon with Him".  "Material goods are necessary for life, but they must not be the only goal of our existence, rather a means of living honestly and sharing with those most in need".  A Hail Mary for the attacks in Texas, California and Ohio (United States).  The announcement of the Letter to Priests all over the world on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the death of the Curate of Ars.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Riches can bind the heart and distract it from the true treasure that is in heaven": it is the message that Jesus entrusts to his listeners in the parable in today's Gospel (18th Sunday of each year  , C, Lk 12, 13-21).  Speaking to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis explained: "Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who believes he is happy because he has had the fortune of an exceptional year and feels secure In his   accumulated possessions.  The story comes alive when there is a contrast between what the rich person designs for himself and how much God has in store for him ... He is foolish because he has in reality denied God, he has not taken account of Him ”.

"It is a warning - he continued - that reveals the horizon towards which we are all called to look.  Material goods are necessary for life, but they must not be the end goal of our existence, rather a means of living honestly and sharing with the most needy.  Jesus today invites us to consider that riches can bind the heart and distract it from the true treasure that is in heaven ".

"This - he concluded - does not mean to withdraw from reality, but to look for things that have real value: justice, solidarity, welcome, fraternity, peace, all of which constitute the true dignity of man ...  Love thus understood and lived is the source of true happiness, while the disproportionate search for material goods and wealth is often a source of anxiety, adversity, prevarication, war ... How many wars are caused by greed! ".

After the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis asked everyone to pray for the attacks (by white supremacists) in Texas, California and Ohio (United States).  "I invite you - he said - to join in my prayer for those who have lost their lives, for the wounded and their families".  And he asked everyone to join him in praying a Hail Mary.

Immediately afterwards, he gave notice of the Letter to the Priests throughout the whole world (in today's news on our websiet), which he published this morning, on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the death of the Saint and Curate d'Ars (which is celebrated  today), "a model of goodness and charity for all priests".

 "The testimony of this humble and totally dedicated parish priest - he underlined - helps to rediscover the beauty and importance of the ministerial priesthood in contemporary society".