We live in a society undergoing constant transformation. The environment, be it physical, social or economic in which we live is changing at varying rates according to where we live. There is however something that seems to remain consistent, and that is man’s difficulty in determining his correct relationship with money. As Populorum progressio notes, in more recent times, certain values have insinuated themselves into the fabric of human society. Often what is seen as the supreme norm for economics is the concept of the need for profit, free competition and the absolute right of the private ownership of the means of production. Unbridled liberalism was condemned by the Church in Pope Pius XI.

The Church knows that we are much more than just socio-economical beings and that the science of economics is supposed to be at the service of man. The person represents the ultimate end of society. Divine revelation reminds us of the transcendent dimension of existence, that there is much more to life than the mere material aspect of existence. One does not exist simply in order to produce or just to consume. A person’s worth cannot be determined by a balance sheet. When God was creating us, there was an artist at work, an artist who spared no expense. He even sent His own Son to die for us so that we can discover the true value of this prize masterwork.

St Paul says, "Know the truth, and the truth will set you free." What is the purpose of this freedom? Is it for man to do whatever he wants? Is it that which will fulfill him? John Paul II says that we can be set free from the disordered self-love, which is the source of contempt of neighbor and of human relationships based on domination. The freedom brought by Christ in the Holy Spirit restores to us the capacity, which sin had taken away, to love God above all things and to remain in communion with him. (LC,53)

Though many of the structures man has put in place may be sick, the more urgent problem facing humanity is the sickness of the heart that convinces that money can make one happy. What is it that leads us to seek meaning in economic success? It is the lack of life we experience whenever we have cut ourselves off from the source of life, namely God. Hence the secularized man of today, trying to escape this sensation of losing life, of death, will go to any means to seek life. In seeking life we turn to making money not to live by, but to gain prestige, to ensure that we are loved. There is a searching to be, a search for life going on. Jesus says to be careful of greed because life is not ensured by the abundance of goods. Let us remember that truth is beautiful in itself. Truth produces what is beautiful.