Why Catholic Men Don't Need To Get Rich At Work

If you think work is all about getting rich, you're not alone. It's practically the American way, after all. In the eyes of the world, a big part of success is making lots of money and having lots of stuff.

Of course, now that we're in a tough economy, people may have to reassess this sort of thinking. But the fact is bad economy or not, let's face it, not everyone gets rich in this world. Right?

Work may not make you rich. What it should do is help you bring your family closer together with a modest comfort and security. If you're not sure about this, read that sentence again and think about it. What else do you really need in this world?

Nevertheless, let's face it, we live in a culture that esteems the rich and powerful - oh, and the famous too. Let's not forget all those celebrities that parade themselves in front of cameras so their images will be plastered everywhere.

So what about the rest of us? We work hard, day after day. Some of us are paid more, some less. Are we supposed to just be satisfied with what we've got, with what we make and leave it at that?

Here's a question: Is ambition bad? I don't think so. There's nothing wrong with wanting more, although I think what you want matters.

For example, if what you want involves more material goods, and you start neglecting your spiritual life and your family, that's not good. If you find you don't have time, for example for prayer, thinking about God from time to time during your day, maybe getting to Mass during the week, saying a rosary - you know, the things that bring us closer to God - then it's not good.

On the other hand, if you're working extra hours or an extra job so that you're family can be a little more comfortable, maybe go on a nice vacation - and you're not spending inordinate amounts of time away from the family - then that can't be such a bad thing now, can it?

We're certainly blessed to live in country that allows someone to work hard to "get ahead." It's just that we Catholic men really have to constantly be on guard that we're not getting sucked in by the surrounding culture. We've got to make sure we're not looking to be esteemed in the eyes of others. The only thing that matters is our relationship to God and being faithful to our vocation, for example, as a husband and father.

God has something to say about this in Psalm 37:

Better is a little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken;
but the Lord upholds the righteous.

So after you read God's word here, does it make more sense that what we should expect of ourselves as Catholic men at work is that we help bring our families closer together with a modest comfort and security? And can you see how this isn't doesn't eliminate being ambitious, and working hard to provide a better life for your family?

We Catholic men know all about putting God first, being informed about our faith and living a life sanctified by fulfilling our vocations in this world. That alone means we've got plenty on our plate when we wake up in the morning. Heck, it's all I can do to say my rosary in a calm, recollected manner some days.

While you may not read about us Catholic men in the press, or be impressed by how much money we make, or the car we drive, or the house we live in, we really don't care about that.

And if we really have very little, even after all the hard work, all the effort we put into making our way in this difficult economy, well, that's fine. We know how our bread is really buttered. In the end, as Psalm 37 concludes, it's our salvation that matters.

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their refuge in the time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked, and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.