"What profit does a man show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?" This more modern translation helps us to grasp at least a very real meaning in the last part of the Jesus' phrase according to the more traditional translation: "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his soul?" We cannot see whether anyone actually loses his soul, but we can see very clearly how a man can destroy himself through greed of any kind.

As I write this reflection, this morning's newspapers carry an item suggesting that Pope Francis is putting his life in danger because of his firm and uncompromising stance against corruption, which has made many criminals and even Church officials rich at the expense of the poor,

We can be sure that threats to his life will not deter Francis in his prophetic stance in favour of justice, especially justice for the poor. Let us all support him with our prayers.