Has the morale fiber of society deteriorated so much that families' breaking up over money and inheritance have become commonplace? Siblings turn into strangers and enemies, as they race to get a bigger chunk of the family inheritance. In the end, what's left is an empty shell of what was once a happy home.

Money or asset that is acquired at the expense of another will only bring with it fleeting joy, which could later turn into regret. Remember the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss, in exchange for 30 pieces of silver? Unable to come to terms with his act of betrayal, Judas hanged himself to death. When money becomes such a huge motivating force in our life, we tend to only look out for our own benefit.

Children who stand to inherit their parents' wealth would justify their actions as claiming only what is rightfully theirs. However, in advancing their personal interests, they could be jeopardizing the interests of other family members. Greed, obsession, deceit and lies. Each is potent enough to build an infernal machine capable of ruining family ties.

If money or inheritance becomes a dividing factor in your family, think of ways to minimize the ensuing conflicts, and strongly push for harmony in the settlement of dissenting views. Scheming against family and kin will only affect many generations down the line. A family member may get away with what he wants, but at the cost of isolating himself from the rest of the family. Would you trade in your family for a life of comfort, brimming with misery and hatred?

The bitter fact that money could overpower blood relationships has recently hit close to home. For weeks, arguments and conflicts had been brewing in some quarters of Mom's family. As individual interests over inherited property started to collide, Mom had become the object of character manipulation. I had been calling her up a couple of times just to see if she was fine. Whenever I tried to sound off my opinions, Mom would always tell me, "Please pray for those who hurt us." That certainly is a tall task to comply with, especially when relatives backbite. I found it hard to remain indifferent to their multiple false character attacks, just so they could protect their personal interests.

The issue of how the property gets divided has become more ambiguous due to deliberate misrepresentation by some family members. For so many years, Mom has actively served in our parish community and therefore, wants to keep

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Greed in family: When blood isn't thicker than money?
We want to hear your view. Write now!