Beginning today, our homily theme is “acquisitiveness,” or “keeping up with the Joneses,” illustrated by a child’s tendency to want another child’s toy, even amidst a sea of toys. This played out recently among children of our parish, who fought over a “special” toy until it was confiscated! We chuckle, but this competition continues as we get older, with objects morphing into athletic shoes for teens, cars and houses for adults, and things like being “right” or respected for everyone. These objects are good in themselves, but each is in limited supply, and therefore a potential source of conflict. Furthermore, conflicts originating from acquisitiveness tend to escalate, as each party strives with increasing fervor to capture the desired object. Thus minor differences of opinion escalate into heated arguments—or worse. Even if I avoid open conflict, the feeling of having “lost out” can cause a resentment that may lead eventually to my “blowing up” at someone. Jesus, fortunately, reveals the way from conflict and resentment to peace and joy. In today’s Gospel, acquisitiveness is on full display in the ambition of James and John, and in the “indignation” of the other ten. Jesus rebukes them all, “This is the way of the Gentiles; it shall not be so among you!,” and he offers the antidote, “Be the servant of all.” Over the next six weeks, drawing on the Pope’s new encyclical, we will examine conflictual acquisitiveness among individuals and groups, and within the global community—and will consider Jesus’ radical solution! Fr. Tom