Readings: 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3
“There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
In today’s first reading, Paul speaks directly to Timothy, a young Bishop in the early church. Paul warns Timothy of the temptation of using his office as a money-making enterprise. As far back as that time, many charlatans were attracted to the priesthood (pastoral ministry) not to save souls, but only to make money for themselves. For instance, there was Simon, the Magician, who wanted to offer money to Peter to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. Acts 8:9-24)
According to St. Paul, those who consider pastoral ministry a money-making enterprise “fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evils; through this craving, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11).
Jesus refused to bow to satan at the offer of all the kingdoms and riches of the world. (Cf. Luke 4:6-7). The truth is that satan continues to tempt God’s Ministers today. St Peter tells us: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion, your adversary, the devil, prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith… And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10)
In today’s Gospel passage, Luke mentions that apart from the twelve apostles who were always with Jesus, some women “provided for them out of their means.” After rejecting Satan’s offer of wealth and all earthly kingdoms, Jesus had to depend on the charity of these women to provide for his daily bread. God never gives an assignment without providing the means for it. However, the truth is that no amount of money is ever enough for someone who is obsessed with wealth.
St. Paul’s words to Timothy remain relevant to ministers today. Anyone who is in love with earthly riches has no business doing church work lest they become like the seed planted among thorns – unable to bear fruit because the thorns choke their life. On the other hand, even if we are not running a church, we cannot be happy if our only concern is to amass wealth. In St. Augustine’s words, “God has made us for himself and our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”
St. John says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17).
What is wrong with loving the world? What is wrong with making it big? What is wrong with securing one’s financial future and leaving something behind for one’s children? What is wrong with a priest having enough to cater for his needs? The answer to these questions is in St. Paul’s words, “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
There is nothing wrong with trying to be rich, but beware of temptations. If your plan to be wealthy involves sinning against God, you are selling your soul for what is nothing. It is not everything that glitters that is gold. As you work to provide your means, be content with what you have. Evil doesn’t pay.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we never be ruled by money, but continue to serve you in sincerity and truth. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu