Vol. 15, No. 3, July, 2010

From the Editor
Sr. Jan Nattermann, S.N.C.

In this issue we will look at the second capital sin in PALE GAS--AVARICE (greed or covetousness). What is it? Avarice is an unreason-able love of worldly goods and material things. It is a basic lack of trust in God's providence and putting other 'loves' before the love of God. It is a condition of the heart, not of the pocketbook. Some poor can be as covetous as some wealthy people.

Covetous people are generally not too willing to share what they have, unwilling to lend, have little or no time for God and things of the soul. The covetous could be described in Luke 8:14: "And as for what fell among thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature."

In order to fight against this sin we need to practice generosity especially to the less fortunate, spend only a moderate amount on ourselves, tithe (from the top of what we earn). When we give to God's church and charity first, we are leaving room for God to provide for our needs. We may be surprised when we find we have enough for what we need plus some left over.