Friday of the 16th week in ordinary time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 3:14-17, Canticle Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 13:18-23
“As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)
Is there anything wrong with desiring a “good life” despite being a Christian? Is it a sin to be rich, wealthy and lacking nothing? After all, aren’t there so many things money can do in terms of advancing the kingdom of God?
If you have ever found yourself asking these questions and wondering where to draw the line between wealth and God, then perhaps you are a seed among thorns. Whether we accept this fact or not, the cares of the world and the lust for riches choke God’s Words in us. Let us listen to Jesus’ own words in Matthew 6:24-33:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? … Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?
This is the point, our faith in God is just too small so we undermine God and make a god of money. We pursue riches because we believe it will bring us security. Hear what Jeremiah says in today’s first reading: “Return, O faithless children, says the Lord for I am your master.” Let God be your one and only master. Let not your love for money make you deny God or disobey His commandments.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me re-order my priorities so that your word may truly bear fruits in my life. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.