May 23, 2024 - Thu. of 7th Week in Ord. Time
May you be willing to share what is important to you with others: your treasure, your GOD-given talents, and your time.
We live in a society that promotes self-improvement and self-betterment. The problem with the way the world says to achieve those two values is often at the cost of others. We are told how to get rich, how to be on the top, how to have the most “toys.” We are told that those goals give us permission to step on anyone who gets in our way, after all, we are told that we are numero uno - Number One. GOD’s values also are focused on self-improvement and self-betterment, but not just for ourselves but for all people. We have been given gifts, talents, treasure, and time for the GOoD of all. We are not alone on our journey to our highest end – heaven. We are fellow travelers on the way of life and are asked to assist others so they, too, can enjoy the fullness of what GOD has in store for all.
May you be willing to share what is important to you with others: your treasure, your GOD-given talents, and your time.
We live in a society that promotes self-improvement and self-betterment. The problem with the way the world says to achieve those two values is often at the cost of others. We are told how to get rich, how to be on the top, how to have the most “toys.” We are told that those goals give us permission to step on anyone who gets in our way, after all, we are told that we are numero uno - Number One. GOD’s values also are focused on self-improvement and self-betterment, but not just for ourselves but for all people. We have been given gifts, talents, treasure, and time for the GOoD of all. We are not alone on our journey to our highest end – heaven. We are fellow travelers on the way of life and are asked to assist others so they, too, can enjoy the fullness of what GOD has in store for all.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052324.cfm
Saint Gregory VII: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gregory-vii/
Readings: James 5: 1-6; Psalm 49: 14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20; Mark 9: 41-50
Our readings look at a few different aspects of the life of a follower of the Master-Teacher. Our First Reading reflects on the dangers of riches. The Responsorial suggests that we should not envy the rich, because they will not always have their wealth and possessions, particular when they transition to the afterlife. The Gospel presents a few different teachings of Jesus, including giving to others in the name of Jesus.
In the First Reading from the letter of St. James, those who seek to store up earthly possession rather than heavenly treasures are challenged to examine their lives. The author particularly criticizes those who are willing to climb the ladder of success at the expense of other people.
The psalm echoes a similar warning with the reminder that we cannot take anything with us when we die (even though the image to the right seems to imply otherwise). And I think we could add that GOD will not be impressed with the riches that we accumulate during our time on earth, unless we have used them for the benefit of others.
The Gospel seems to join together a few different themes: giving to others in the name of Christ, not causing scandal, not causing others (or even ourselves) to sin, and the value of being a flavor “enhancer” in the meal of life.
The thrust of St. James message is not that wealth in and of itself is bad. It is one’s attitude to wealth. If all someone can do is think about how to increase their monetary value without looking at how one gets the money, then that person can expect to have to pay a big price in the future. We all know those people who step on every person in their upward pursuits as they climb to the top. They do not care about anyone whom they might hurt as they scamper toward their high position. Their only goal is to have the biggest, the best, the most. St. James is warning anyone who has that attitude that they are risking a lot more than the money they are hoping to gain – they are risking their lives – eternally.
In the Gospel today Jesus begins the section by speaking about those who come to our aid because we belong to Christ. Those people will receive a payment, not necessarily in money, that will far outdo their expenses in serving the brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus then warns those who mislead others so that those who are misled go down the wrong path. He forecast a punishment worse than that of a person who has a very heavy millstone fastened to the necks and then is thrown into the sea and drowns.
The next few verses remind us that we must avoid anything that might lead us into sin. Anything that might be an “occasion of sin” is to be removed from our lives. For some people, amassing great wealth can lead to the sin of greed and the sins of being uncaring and failure of serving others.
The last section of today’s Gospel speaks about salt. Salt has a definite place. It enhances the food we eat; it also preserves food. Yet, if salt loses its qualities, it is useless. And salt, in and of itself, is not what we should desire.
So, what do all these messages mean to me? I see it as a call to the service of others. Our service to others has to be the highest motive in our relationship with people. If we use people to further our own position, we are not being faithful to our Master-Teacher. If we place a higher value on things and money than we do on being servants to those who need our help, we are risking our eternal relationship with GOD. If money and possessions are hindrances to our following the Master and ministering to others, then we need to get rid of our wealth and our possessions. Money, like salt, can be useful in enhancing the lives of others. Once money is sought for its own value, rather than seeking it for the benefit it can be in helping us spread the Gospel, then money is not worth anything and should be thrown out.
The challenge is to look honestly at what value we place on money and possessions. We do need a certain amount of money, especially if we are responsible for caring for members of our family or other people. Money, however, can become the driving force of our lives that leads us to disservice to people. Our attitude toward worldly possessions and wealth is the key issue. Money should serve us as we serve others. We should not use other people as we serve the almighty dollar. That is putting things backwards.
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the true Richness of our lives. Through Your GOoDness, You promise to provide all we need for our daily existence and for our empowerment in spreading the Gospel. You have given us the ability to earn a living. We have sometimes been led astray and sought riches as an end in themselves rather than tools we can use to help draw ourselves and others closer to You. Your Son has taught us to pray for that which we need each and every day, believing that You will supply our daily sustenance. Let us not fall into the temptation of amassing great wealth that we will not be able to take with us in the final stretch of our journey across the bridge of earthly life to eternal life with You. May we use the gifts and possessions that You have allowed us to gain for purpose of the betterment of others. As always, we ask for the wisdom and guidance of Your Holy Spirit Who shines light on the way we must follow. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son Jesus, our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
Song of the Day: Heart of Worship (When the Music Fades) by Matt Redman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvMt-KKVKA
You Can’t Take It with You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pNM8T5dJgk
Video of the Day: Pope St. Gregory VII: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B9Z1v-mEAA
© rjk, 12-15-22
Saint Gregory VII: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gregory-vii/
Readings: James 5: 1-6; Psalm 49: 14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20; Mark 9: 41-50
Our readings look at a few different aspects of the life of a follower of the Master-Teacher. Our First Reading reflects on the dangers of riches. The Responsorial suggests that we should not envy the rich, because they will not always have their wealth and possessions, particular when they transition to the afterlife. The Gospel presents a few different teachings of Jesus, including giving to others in the name of Jesus.
In the First Reading from the letter of St. James, those who seek to store up earthly possession rather than heavenly treasures are challenged to examine their lives. The author particularly criticizes those who are willing to climb the ladder of success at the expense of other people.
The psalm echoes a similar warning with the reminder that we cannot take anything with us when we die (even though the image to the right seems to imply otherwise). And I think we could add that GOD will not be impressed with the riches that we accumulate during our time on earth, unless we have used them for the benefit of others.
The Gospel seems to join together a few different themes: giving to others in the name of Christ, not causing scandal, not causing others (or even ourselves) to sin, and the value of being a flavor “enhancer” in the meal of life.
The thrust of St. James message is not that wealth in and of itself is bad. It is one’s attitude to wealth. If all someone can do is think about how to increase their monetary value without looking at how one gets the money, then that person can expect to have to pay a big price in the future. We all know those people who step on every person in their upward pursuits as they climb to the top. They do not care about anyone whom they might hurt as they scamper toward their high position. Their only goal is to have the biggest, the best, the most. St. James is warning anyone who has that attitude that they are risking a lot more than the money they are hoping to gain – they are risking their lives – eternally.
In the Gospel today Jesus begins the section by speaking about those who come to our aid because we belong to Christ. Those people will receive a payment, not necessarily in money, that will far outdo their expenses in serving the brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus then warns those who mislead others so that those who are misled go down the wrong path. He forecast a punishment worse than that of a person who has a very heavy millstone fastened to the necks and then is thrown into the sea and drowns.
The next few verses remind us that we must avoid anything that might lead us into sin. Anything that might be an “occasion of sin” is to be removed from our lives. For some people, amassing great wealth can lead to the sin of greed and the sins of being uncaring and failure of serving others.
The last section of today’s Gospel speaks about salt. Salt has a definite place. It enhances the food we eat; it also preserves food. Yet, if salt loses its qualities, it is useless. And salt, in and of itself, is not what we should desire.
So, what do all these messages mean to me? I see it as a call to the service of others. Our service to others has to be the highest motive in our relationship with people. If we use people to further our own position, we are not being faithful to our Master-Teacher. If we place a higher value on things and money than we do on being servants to those who need our help, we are risking our eternal relationship with GOD. If money and possessions are hindrances to our following the Master and ministering to others, then we need to get rid of our wealth and our possessions. Money, like salt, can be useful in enhancing the lives of others. Once money is sought for its own value, rather than seeking it for the benefit it can be in helping us spread the Gospel, then money is not worth anything and should be thrown out.
The challenge is to look honestly at what value we place on money and possessions. We do need a certain amount of money, especially if we are responsible for caring for members of our family or other people. Money, however, can become the driving force of our lives that leads us to disservice to people. Our attitude toward worldly possessions and wealth is the key issue. Money should serve us as we serve others. We should not use other people as we serve the almighty dollar. That is putting things backwards.
- The personal question/action for today: What values control my life? Do I see money as a necessary means to caring for others or do I seek to have money as the end of my work? What can I do to use my talents, treasure, and time in service of others?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the true Richness of our lives. Through Your GOoDness, You promise to provide all we need for our daily existence and for our empowerment in spreading the Gospel. You have given us the ability to earn a living. We have sometimes been led astray and sought riches as an end in themselves rather than tools we can use to help draw ourselves and others closer to You. Your Son has taught us to pray for that which we need each and every day, believing that You will supply our daily sustenance. Let us not fall into the temptation of amassing great wealth that we will not be able to take with us in the final stretch of our journey across the bridge of earthly life to eternal life with You. May we use the gifts and possessions that You have allowed us to gain for purpose of the betterment of others. As always, we ask for the wisdom and guidance of Your Holy Spirit Who shines light on the way we must follow. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son Jesus, our Brother and Savior, our Master-Teacher, Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen.
Song of the Day: Heart of Worship (When the Music Fades) by Matt Redman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvMt-KKVKA
You Can’t Take It with You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pNM8T5dJgk
Video of the Day: Pope St. Gregory VII: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B9Z1v-mEAA
© rjk, 12-15-22