30 Pieces of Silver

Column: The Catholic Investor

Here we are, deep into Holy Week, with Tuesday’s Gospel started out with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
Went to the chief priests and said,
“What are you willing to give me
If I hand him over to you?”
They paid him thirty pieces of silver,
And from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

The allure of profit, not bad in itself and yet not sufficient

While there are alternative possibilities, the plain reading of the passage above suggests that Judas betrayed Jesus for profit: 30 pieces of silver. It seems almost unbelievable that Judas, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, personally selected by Jesus himself, and who had spent about three years traveling with and learning from Jesus, would turn him over to be killed for money.

But let’s step back for a moment.

We know that Judas was a thief (John 12:6) and that “the love of money is the root of all evils” (Timothy 6:10). So, Judas loved money enough to sin by stealing, and that love could lead to further sins such as betrayal.

Now imagine Judas as an investor.  Where, if anywhere, would Judas draw the line on what he would be willing to invest in if he thought he could make money? Would he invest in hospitals performing abortions and transgender surgeries? …in “Entertainment” companies producing pornographic movies? … in Chemical or bio-tech companies developing lethal substances that could be used to kill millions?

If Judas was willing to betray Jesus, are there any limits to what he might do?

Why it matters

Lent is a period of reflection on our relationship with Jesus. How we invest is a part of that relationship, as is everything we do, or don’t do. Therefore, we should think, seriously, about how we invest.

Do we mindlessly buy a fund that mimics the S&P 500, or the “total market” oblivious to the companies contained therein? Do we, without inspection, purchase a “hot” fund or one that has a long and impressive record of performance? Is it really worth consorting with evil for the chance to pick up a few extra points of investment performance? In 1 Corinthians, thieves are enumerated right next to the greedy as not being eligible for the kingdom of God.

Satan is the father of lies. I have seen no evidence that unfettered investment produces results that are superior to those of a similar, but morally circumspect portfolio. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops agrees. The allure of wildly greater profit is a lie.

This Lent, as part of your efforts to grow in faith, consider reordering your investment priorities, putting faith first. You won’t regret it.

God bless you and happy Easter!

Thomas "Tom" Carroll, CFA, is the president of Catholic Investment Strategies, a position in which he has passionately enjoyed serving since 2012. Prior to this position,... MORE »