Alignment System. Where would you place yorusef?

[Catholic_Lady]

From what I understand, He was speaking to that guy specifically. Jesus wanted him to leave his life behind and become another one of His diciples. It seems a bit unreasonable to think Jesus literally wants all of us to live off the clothes on our backs and travel around different cities evangelizing. If we were all called to do that specifically, nothing else would ever get done in society, including having children and taking care of your family, and the human race would die off. We are called to follow Christ in our own roles.

Of course it would be very admirable to literally never go out to eat, never buy anything nice, and only live off the absolute bare minimums. There are many saints who lived that way by choice, and it's a great thing. But it is not a moral obligation. We are not morally required to live that sort of life style.

So long as you give a reasonable amount of what you have and don't waste money on useless stuff all the time or live a lavish lifestyle, you are not "sinning." At least not in my faith. Perhaps there are some more extreme branches of Christianity that think otherwise though.

I occasionally watch a documentary show on mtv called The Fabulous Life of the Filthy Rich, and it's absolutely ridiculous and sad to see the huge amounts of money those people drop on things that are just so pointless, just for the sake of it. Like owning a dozen vintage cars that just sit in your huge garage. That, I would say, is very much sinful, and I have a hard time imagining not feeling guilty if I lived my life splurging like that. I can see why Jesus would say it's hard getting into Heaven if you're rich.

I'm not saying evangelizing.  I'm saying prioritizing like you actually believe what Jesus was preaching.  Do you need a house rather than a trailer?  How much money would that free up to spend on saving lives rather than having some extra room?  

I get the idea it's setting the bar higher than people like, but Jesus is a God who let humans kill him so they can go to heaven even though they didn't deserve it.  In that context, is not eating at applebees once a week, and spending the saved money on food for the food shelter that big an ask?

As far as I can tell, Jesus did not preach that it is a moral obligation to live only with the absolute bare minimums (ie -  living in a trailer rather than a house or never eating at a restaurant. So long as it's all in moderation). If anything, it seems the bible suggests a person give 10% after their basic needs are met. Obviously if you're rich and would otherwise spend excessive amounts of money on useless, lavish stuff, give more.

Granted, I think it would be extremely righteous and even ideal to live in a trailer so you can give away the extra cash (so long as you're not depriving your children, if you have any), but I don't see it as a moral obligation to the point where it would be sinful not to.

You can have a decent home and eat out on occasion while still living by the corporal works of mercy. There are even some suggestions on the bishops page on how a person can contribute: 

FEED THE HUNGRY

There are many people in this world who go without food.  When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources. 

• Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive so everyone can have something to eat.
  
• Research, identify and contribute financially to organizations that serve the hungry.
  
• The next time you make a recipe that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and donate one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen. 
  
• Try not to purchase more food than you are able to eat. If you notice that you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing less groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to those in need.
  

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY

Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to clean water and suffer from the lack of this basic necessity.  We should support the efforts of those working towards greater accessibility of this essential resource.  

• We take it for granted that we have access to clean water. Donate. . . to help build wells for water for those in need
  
• Organize a group of children involved on a sports team (e.g. soccer) or a summer camp. Invite them to collect bottled water to distribute at a shelter for families. If parents can be involved, ask them to accompany their children in delivering the water to the families. 
  
• Do the same for youth and young adult groups.
  
• Make an effort not to waste water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions suffering from drought.
  

SHELTER THE HOMELESS

Thre are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.

• See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
  
• Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
  
• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
  
• There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Social Services, or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
  

VISIT THE SICK

Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided.  In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. 

• Give blood
  
• Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)!
  
• Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
  
• Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
  
• Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.
  

VISIT THE PRISONERS

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God.  No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

• See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a prison ministry and if so, get involved.
  
• Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.
  

BURY THE DEAD

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times.  Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

• Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one.  Make your own card and use some of these prayers.
  
• Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
  
• Spend time planning your own funeral mass, read through the Order of Christian Funerals and find our hope in the Resurrection.
  

GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need.  Do research and find organizations that put people in need first, rather than profit. 

• Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at church.
  
• Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate. 
  
• This Lent, give up eating out at restaurants.  Pack you meals and donate the extra money to charities.
  
• Participate in CRS Rice Bowl. . .
  

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachin...-mercy.cfm

(ETA)