I know that I write often about the 1947 movie, “The Bishop’s Wife”, but is so rich with meaning and full of lessons we can still learn from today. For example: Mrs. Hamilton. The bishop is convinced that he is being called to build a massive cathedral, while the angel is trying to help him find his way; meanwhile, the bishop can only do this huge project if Mrs. Hamilton – the richest person in town – donates $1 million to the cause. She is everything we dislike about extremely rich people – condescending, pompous, arrogant, manipulative, and controlling. Everyone bows down to her because they know that if they don’t, she will take her money and go elsewhere. They also know that her motivation – honoring her dead husband with this monstrosity – is misguided. Sound familiar?
The bishop calls her the vulgar rich, and all he sees is her bad attitudes, which are many, and her wealth, which is massive. The angel, however, visits with her and finds out her true loss and heartbreak. He finds a beautiful piece of harp music locked away, and when he plays it, the memory of Mrs. Hamilton’s one true love emerges. He listens to her story and reminds her about what really matters in life. She loved this composer with all her heart, but was afraid of poverty, so she broke it off and married a rich man she didn’t love. After his death, her guilt and bitterness drove her to honor the rich man she cared nothing for while trying to forget her real passion in life. Her choices had consequences, and she chose wealth over happiness.
Maybe this is why Jesus had concerns about the possibilities of rich people entering heaven. He saw that wealth is an idol that, when it is loved, can destroy our relationship with God and others. Money isn’t a bad thing – it is a tool to be used. Moral people, no matter how much they have, recognize the necessity of generosity, not only for the well-being of others, but for their own souls. This is why, I think, Scripture calls us to tithe. There’s nothing magical about 10%; I think that it is just a reminder that part of our success comes from God, and we should share some of what we have with those who have not been so lucky. Vulgarity is, by definition, elitism that makes fun of and ignores those who are not wealthy. Faithfulness is the opposite – it gives to those who are in need. It is part of the definition of being a lover of God and humanity. A lesson that Mrs. Hamilton learned, in the end. And one we need to be reminded of.
Prayer – Holy God, it is our responsibility to share with those who don’t have enough. Cure our vulgar disregard of that very important lesson. Amen.
Today’s art is “Greed” by Talha Saqib.