We read with indignation that Judas stole from the common purse. How could he betray the trust of Jesus and the other apostles? We would never do such a thing–or would we?

The common purse of Earth’s resources is entrusted to us. How do we use the contents? Do we open the purse strings just a little, surreptitiously taking a small coin when we waste water, answer “plastic” to the grocery store’s ubiquitous “Paper or plastic?” or neglect to unplug appliances? As a developed country, do we just help ourselves to large amounts? Are we betraying our brothers and sisters through our gluttonous use of resources?

Are we remembering that God holds the purse? Earth belongs to God whose Son’s parables demand that we use what we receive and multiply the “talents.”