Story of Danny
ONCE there was a man named Danny. He owned a little variety store and, for some years in his own little way, he extended credit to poor people, helping them to get started in life. His town mates had all praises for the benevolent man.
Because of his generosity, the good Lord rewarded him. One day, Danny struck it rich when he won P50 million in the lotto.
With his overflowing wealth, he gave up his little business and bought a palatial house in an upscale subdivision. He enjoyed all the material comforts and amenities in life.
Catapulted to the top of the social ladder, however, his lifestyle changed and sadly forgot all about his simple life and charitable works. He had himself revitalized and rejuvenated. ( Dunno if he went to Dra. Belo or Dr. Calayan).
The new Danny went on good times, spending money freely. He met a beautiful young girl and asked her for a date. That evening before they could go out, a thunderstorm came up.
While crossing the street to meet his date, Danny was struck by a lightning bolt and died instantly.
In the next life, Danny lamented, “Lord, after all those years of hard work, I was just trying to enjoy myself. Why did you do that, Lord?” And God said to him, “Oh, was that you Danny? I didn’t recognize you!”
Danny was so changed not only in looks but also in lifestyle that God could not recognize him anymore.
The Lord is surely not against getting rich or rejuvenating oneself. Nor is God against enjoying life now and then. Rather the story reminds us about the danger of wealth. In the case of Danny, he forgot his original goodness of helping people. ASK YOURSELF: What’s my attitude towards money? Am I so preoccupied with the pursuit of it that I have no more time for God, say, in prayer or doing works of mercy? Am I so obsessed with money that I have to cheat, steal, kill or do illegal means?
Am I so attached to my possessions that I have become selfish and insensitive to the plight of the poor around me?
In Jesus’ parable of Dives, the rich man, and Lazarus, the beggar, Dives was condemned NOT because he was rich, but rather because he was so callous to the plight of the poor Lazarus begging for a morsel of food from his opulent table ( Read Luke 16, 19ff.).
Take note: Because of his selfishness, Dives was condemned to Hell where the fiery torment was eternal.
ACTION: In this Lenten season, I’ll show that money is not my god by allotting time for spiritual matters and doing more acts of charity.
QUIPS. Best Lenten penance for our congressmen and senators: Give up pork— pork barrel!
A woman will give 1 to a beggar but spend 1000 on a new dress with a clear conscience.
Swallowing one’s pride once in a while has never given anyone indigestion. – B. Hagspiel.
LENTEN OUTREACH. Lent calls us to do more acts of charity. How about doing it by assisting the seminarians we’re supporting under our “Adopt A Seminarian” scholarship
program?
For inquiries, e-mail meatbelsvd@gmail.com.