What profit...?

Jesus says that it does not profit a man to gain the whole world, only to forfeit his life at the end.

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The Greek psuche can be translated as “breath [of life}” but also as “soul” or immortal part of man, as distinguished from his mortal life.

There is nothing more valuable than a person’s soul. To trade that away in exchange for what the world offers—wealth, power, honor, pleasure—is the epitome of foolishness. Sooner or later, earthly things will fade away. And that person will have lost the only part of himself that lasts forever.

In classic literature Dr. Faustus, a scholar named Faustus makes a deal with the devil in exchange for ultimate knowledge and power for 24 years. Once his time is up, a group of devils arrive at midnight, dragging him down to hell. The Chorus which serves as narrator reminds the readers of the wasted potential of Faustus and asks them to heed the moral lessons learned from his downfall.

First Reading - Dt 4:32-40