By Charles Igwe
In his Sunday Angelus message on October 13, Pope Francis emphasized that true happiness and fulfillment do not come from material possessions but from God’s love and the act of giving ourselves to others. He reflected on the universal desire for meaning and happiness, explaining that people often mistakenly look for these in material wealth and earthly security.
The pope urged the faithful to recognize that “true wealth is not found in the goods of this world, but in being loved by God and learning to love like Him.” Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace, he drew attention to the deeper truth behind human desires: it is God’s love and the eternal life He offers that ultimately fulfills our hearts.
Pope Francis’s reflection was based on the Gospel reading from Mark 10, which recounts the story of a rich man seeking eternal life. The man, though materially wealthy, approached Jesus with a restless heart, yearning for something greater. Pope Francis compared the rich man’s actions to those of others in need of healing, remarking that, despite his wealth, the man knelt before Jesus as if he were desperate for spiritual healing.
Jesus, looking upon the man with love, prescribed a path for him: sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The rich man, however, left saddened by the challenge because of his attachment to his many possessions.
Pope Francis explained that Jesus sought to teach the man, and all of us, that “true wealth” lies in being loved by God and in the ability to give of ourselves to others. He expanded on the idea, encouraging people to detach from “false securities” and embrace a life of generosity — not only through material goods but also through sharing time, talents, and friendship with others.
In closing, the pope called for prayers to the Virgin Mary, asking for her guidance in helping people discover life’s true treasure in Jesus.
