Black Friday, no longer contained to a single day but stretched throughout an entire month, summarizes the modern approach to consumerism. Businesses are entirely focused on making profits before the end of the year and consumers help them by their purchases.
However, St. John Paul II highly criticized this system of consumerism and urged consumers to think before they buy.
He explains his thoughts in his encyclical, Centesimus Annus. First of all, he warns us that the way society uses its money, shows to us where our priorities are found.
St. John Paul II urges consumers to view their purchases in the light of the entire human person, body and soul.
If this complete picture is not observed, then our consumerism will lead us astray.
The Power of Choice
Above all, we need to remember that with each purchase, we are making a choice. This choice can benefit society and our eternal souls, or it can harm it. The key is to be an informed consumer.
St. John Paul II doesn't condemn the desire for a better life, but he urges us to change our desire to "have," and to focus on the true, good and beautiful.
As you continue to buy your Christmas presents, remember that each purchase you make has an effect not only on your own soul, but on everyone involved with that gift. Our purchase can promote the common good and the pursuit of holiness, or it can lead us astray and support a model of consumerism that is detrimental to society.
