Read Genesis 13:2,5-18, Ps. 15:2-5, Matthew 7:6,12-14
“If you take the left hand, I will go to the right; if you take the right, I will go to the left. Lot saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord… So Lot chose all the plain of the Jordan… thus they separated from each other.”(Genesis 13:9-11)
Jesus tells us today: “Enter by the narrow gate for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” When God called Abram, he moved with his cousin, Lot, who was like a son to him.
The land could not contain both Abram’s and Lot’s properties. To avoid disputes, Abram told Lot to choose any part of the country for himself, and Lot decided to go to the region of Sodom because the land appealed to the eyes. He soon realised that not all that glitter is gold.
Even though the land of Sodom was a beauty to behold, the people who lived there had no fear of God. They were great and wicked sinners. Like many Christians today, Abram’s cousin, Lot, chose material prosperity over spiritual prosperity. This is what greed does to us. It makes us put the passing things of this world over and above God.
Greed often pushes us to sin in the name of making money. For instance, I have seen videos of people on social media who say they are ready to do anything (even if it means killing a fellow human being) to be rich. We assume that when one is rich, they no longer have any problems, but the truth is that not all that glitter is gold.
While many people struggle daily to become wealthy in the eyes of the world, only a few aspire to sainthood. The choice is yours to make. Living a righteous life does not necessarily mean being condemned to poverty. No. It only means that you put God first in all you do. It means that you are truthful, that you conduct your business with integrity, that you refrain from theft, and that you do not cheat others. Like Abram, you can be extraordinarily wealthy and righteous.
If you realise that your Christian values are being compromised in your quest for riches, please take a step back and ask yourself: “What will I gain if I become the wealthiest person on earth and still end up in hell?” If you follow the narrow road of righteousness, God will bless you with the kind of riches that come without sorrow, but if you follow the broad way, you will soon realise that “not all that glitters is gold.”
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, help me choose right and stand by you even if everyone else prefers to do what is wrong. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 12 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Genesis 13:2,5-18, Ps. 15:2-5, Matthew 7:6,12-14).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu