Our world nowadays is very consumeristic. Many of us are buying things we do not even need. Consumerism is indeed modern slavery. It is called slavery because we are possessed by what we possess. We are owned by what we own. The Bible reminds us: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” The increase in prosperity is not making us humans more happy. Pope Francis, in his Advent homily Dec. 1, 2019, said:

“Consumerism is a virus that affects the faith at its root because it makes you believe that life depends only on what you have, and so you forget about God,” he warned. “The meaning of life is not to accumulate.” Friends, we are reminded that our lives do not just depend on what we have. The meaning of our life is not to receive, but to give for life. It is not about accumulation; but it is all about contribution. My dear kababayan, if we wish to be happy, charity is the perfect key. Life improves when the pursuit of consumerism is removed.

Finally, as we prepare for the wonderful season of the year, let us all be reminded that Jesus is the ultimate Reason for the Season. Let us celebrate Christmas with simplicity, faith, hope, love, and humility. The Pope says: “When you live for things, things are never enough, greed grows and others become obstacles in the race and so you end up feeling threatened and, always dissatisfied and angry … ‘I want more, I want more, I want more,’” he said. “One has many goods, but no good is done.” Guys, we do not need a big wallet to have a big heart. The end of accumulation is the beginning of the joy of living. Just bear in mind that the greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper but in love. Give love. No greater gift is there than love.

Conclusion: Love the giver more than the gifts!

Blessings
Fr. Jhack