Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Money Mania—And Other False Idols

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Sep 22, 2025

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines. See full bio.

In It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey and Clarence (the angel) are in Martini’s bar. George is despondent over the lost funds of his savings-and-loan, and mutters, “You don’t happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?” Clarence is cheerfully detached from earthly concerns. “Oh, no, no. We don’t use money in Heaven.” “Well, it comes in pretty handy down here, bub.”

True enough. However, as St. Paul says, the love of money is the root of all evil. Money Mania is a false God, violating the First Commandment. First Commandment violations come in all sizes. …

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>