Quality versus Expediency : If spending money on God's House is justified

Good-quality vestments, especially if they are handmade and use silk fabrics, are quite costly.  Indeed, they always have been.  In Australia, there is a prevailing mentality that spending significant amounts of money on such things is inappropriate and the Church should celebrate its liturgy more simply; its ministers should not appear to be ostentatious by wearing a richer quality of vestment. This same mentality is found all around the world, of course.

Is it perhaps not surprising that those who are uncomfortable with beautiful vestments being used for the Sacred Liturgy see little problem with having the latest electronic devices, very comfortable residences and annual overseas holidays?

Some years ago, on a website, was found a strategy for being able to afford a vestment which seemed too expensive.  It may be useful for readers.  It goes something like this...

Father had his heart set on a particular set of vestments, but didn't have the money to purchase them. The Parish had many commitments and could not justify making such a purchase. But the Parish did buy them and then they were put on display in the Church, with this sign:

"These new vestments were recently purchased. When we have raised enough money to cover their cost, they will be used at the Altar. Until then, they are only for display."

It didn't take too long for the money to be raised for the vestments to be used for Mass and more besides; in fact, enough for another set to be purchased! The Parish loves the vestments and loves to see Father wearing them for Mass.

There is another facet of this story which many priests will be familiar with : the Faithful appreciate being asked to contribute to the beautification of their Parish church and its Sacred Liturgy. After all, it is the Faithful who look at the vestments worn by the priest. Is it not natural to wish to look at things of beauty?