I just saw again the 1958 film Auntie Mame.  I enjoy watching Rosalind Russell’s portrayal of the outrageous Mame Dennis. I get a kick out of Mame’s way of combating anti-Semitism and taking down a few self-important people. Part of me, though, is troubled by a some aspects of Mame’s character. The extravagant life style and the prevalence of alcohol aren’t qualities I’d advocate for people.

My mixed feelings about Mame cause me to wonder about her remark, “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.” Yep, life offers lots of possibilities that most people miss.

However, much of Christian teaching has been against “worldly pleasures.” I recognize the problem. People can think that life is only about gaining possessions or doing fun things with no thought about the needs of others. But there seems to be an extreme version of this that rejects all pleasures. Someone told me that the definition of a Puritan is someone who believes that someone somewhere is enjoying themselves.

Jesus didn’t hesitate to use the term banquet as a simile for the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus attended a wedding banquet and turned water into wine. He taught his followers to provide food and clothing for others. He isn’t against enjoying life.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the good things as life as long as it is done in moderation. Furthermore, we must not neglect the needs of others.  And finally, we have to remember that there is more to life than worldly pleasure. The great treasure is the love of God.

Read Matthew 6:19-21 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne