My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is natural that we, as human beings, like to accumulate. The hunter-gatherer instinct is built subconsciously. Furthermore, some of us like to save up money to buy better things, thinking that they would last longer than cheaper or valued brands. Sometimes that mentality is true because good materials and workmanship do cost more than the basic molded materials and products. Nevertheless, the real question is: why do we accumulate things, and are they too much?

First of all, we have to be careful and control our desire to gather or accumulate unnecessary materialistic stuff. We can easily become attached or begin to hoard if we lack prudence and self-control. Many people have fallen into the trap of materialistic happiness and pleasure, thinking that they are happy when they have “more” on hand. Some people spent their whole life searching and accumulating more (of this or that) in order to be happy, yet always end up bitter and sad. No matter what the case might be, many are crying out subconsciously for help because they do not know what they really want or need.

True fulfillment and happiness are found from within. Instead of accumulating more stuff on the outside, are we spending enough time to deepen our values, virtues, meaning, and purpose of life? Have we spent enough effort to actually build up spiritual and personal foundations that are fixed, permanent, and everlasting? Do our lives, words, and actions reflect what we truly believe and profess? If we have nothing that is truly important and permanent, we will chase after trends that come and go.

The teachings of the Church and the divine commandments will be very unappealing in the beginning at first because they seem to be so restrictive and binding. Worldly values and freedom are more appealing because they are easier and do not require that we change. It is kind of like those “magic formula” commercials that offer the quickest solution to get the result without the work or change of lifestyle. Even though they might work, they are simply providing a “band-aid” solution without any substantial change. Even though they are productive, are they really beneficial for us in the long run?

Nothing is easy if it is real and beneficial. It requires a lot of efforts, and often time requires that we choose the options and alternatives that are not appealing or easy. It sometimes requires that we begin to change ourselves daily and in small – but concrete – actions and choices. However, we have to recognize that nothing that is valuable is quick and easy. The way of Christian discipleship is hard because it requires us to change, carry our own cross, and follow God. It requires a heart of docility and humility, else God cannot change and fill us deep from within. Nevertheless, as soon as we open our hearts to see the simple things, we learn how to appreciate the true blessings in life.

When I was younger, I always wanted “more” without really knowing what I really want. I always complained when I did not have what I desire without really knowing what I really have. Now, I am a bit older, I appreciate the simple gifts of the present moment: a hello from parishioners, a cup of coffee with friends, a phone call with brother priests, a short time spent with my dad when he looks at my vehicle for potential problems, a bowl of Vietnamese cooking from my mom, or a short conversation with my brother. Do I really deserve all of these? No, but they are given out of love and all I can do is to receive them with gratitude. There are so much that I already have instead of what I emptily want. I am a blessed man because I have everything I need.

I hope that we learn how to be grateful and humble in order to seek and appreciate the tremendous blessings and gifts that we already have in life. We truly do not deserve them, so we need to be humble in receiving them out of love. Hence, when we receive these loving gifts, we are also called to pass on the blessings and give the gift of ourselves in love. Without a doubt, love is the greatest blessing, and it is the only thing that we truly need. May we learn how to fix our eyes on the things that are substantial, real, and everlasting… because they are given out of love and in love. Then, and only then can we truly recognized that we are truly blessed because we are loved and given all that we ever need in this life.
 

Sincerely in Christ,
 
 fxmtvk

Rev. Fr. Khoi V. Tran