EVERY time we see a change in the leadership of our government we are constantly bombarded by various exposés on how the previous administration and their cohorts would amass so much ill-gotten wealth at the expense of the public.  Such corruption is just so nauseating knowing that “GREED” has characterized the fabrics of our political and social institutions.  When will the madness ever end?  When will such disregard for the “common good” ever stop? 

Greed promises so much and entices us to look beyond what we have, what we want to have, and what we will want to have.  It puts on a friendly face and tells everyone that there is nothing to worry about.  The greed our world shows is a cause for pride and comfort.  But under the mask of this seemingly perfect world is a want and a desire to have more.

An author once said that the world is a rat trap, once you get caught there will be no way of getting out.  This is reflective of our present reality: once blinded by desire, our passion for life slowly evolves towards a compulsion which only materialism can pacify.  Such an obsession can be likened to a man who possesses a necklace of such luxury and sterling beauty.  Ownership of which taunts the person to wear it, even if it chokes him, even if it tortures him.  Men would rather tolerate the pain of wanting than concentrate on the fact of needing.  Desire is the wealth of today’s world, and the asset of any crooked politician.  Why do men crave so much?  Why do we at times desire things beyond our basic needs? 

The answer to these questions is simple, and we call it greed.  Masking itself in the commercialism of our times, greed entices us to want a life of security achieved only through fame and riches.  We are lured to dream a “life in a garden of roses” which omits the thorns that go with it.  And, as time goes by man’s desire to reach this fantasy increases, turning passion into obsession without any sense of morality and social responsibility. 

Sadly, when obsession consumes man he will do everything within his power to reach his goals.  He does not fear anything for he has so much to gain at such little cost.  This self-centeredness borne of man’s sense of greed is a vulnerability readily used by dishonest politicians.  All our social ills are a byproduct of a society that stopped caring for others because it has been so selfishly absorbed in protecting only one’s interest.  For how can we start caring for the common good if all we see are ourselves and what best serves our personal needs?    

One more thing … Greed for wealth causes disputes.  It can mesmerize any man.  Greed for fame causes hatred.  It can make a person forget who he really is.  Our greed for power, riches, and fame, can cause wars.  It can turn an ally into an enemy.  Greed abounds in this world from homes to nations, from children to adults, and from the poor to the wealthy.  Greed has become the soul of our world and the embodiment of a deceitful politician.  In greed, PESO, POWER and PLEASURE have become the treasures of our world today.  These are the reason why the world goes round. 

Ending greed starts with us!  Greed is only fueled by the hearts of those who are insensitive to the needs of others.  We can only stop the cycle of greed by genuinely loving others most especially those who are marginalized in our society. 

A good friend of mine, Mr. Alberto C. Francisco, once said: “If only we could learn to share then most of our social concerns would likewise greatly diminish.  Greed only breeds more greed. But love and concern transform the world around us, for when resources are properly shared to those around us, I guess we will have fewer criminals in our communities and less marginalized sectors to be concerned with.  Nagkukulang lang tayo sa ating pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan sa buhay kasi masyado nang maraming ganid sa mundong ating ginagalawan!”

When we say, “I have this and I have that.” We begin to realize what we do have instead of being filled with covetousness, with avarice or with wanting more. But when we appreciate what we have. We begin to say “I don’t need so much. I can live with less.” That’s what gratitude does. It helps us realize we can have less. We don’t have to have all that we want. Instead, we say “I have enough. In fact, I have too much already. Look at all God’s given me!” You start to take an inventory of everything we have and we say “I have more than I’ve ever needed!”  Then we begin to realize, when we compare what we have to what other people have, that: “We are blessed. We are truly blessed.”

“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). 

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