Wealth as an Obstacle to Faith

"Israel was a fruitful vine, bearing much fruit. The more abundant his fruit, the more he multiplied the altars; The more prosperous his land, the more he embellished the statues." (Hosea 10:1).

Vines were certainly one of the main agricultural activities in the region in ancient times, capable of changing people's social class. Those who owned a vineyard were undoubtedly the richest people in the country. It was possible to link the vine to prosperity, as long as it could produce fruit. But is prosperity an obstacle to faith and attachment to God?

God compares Israel here to a fruitful vineyard, and thus to a numerous, prosperous and very happy people. The paradox is that Israel has become idolatrous in this situation. His people did not give him the recognition he expected of them. Instead, Israel began to worship false gods, as if wealth were an obstacle to faith.

In poverty Israel had remained attached to the Lord, prosperous, he made the choice of astartes and Baal. So it would be a mistake for God to prosper our work if we are to become atheists afterwards. Wealth is not just money. Was Jesus Christ right when he said (Mark 10:25) that it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?

P. Clémentine