MONEY

We should love God with all our mind, heart and soul. We know that it would be well for us if we will do this above anything. We are aware of some people who became obsessed with money and forgot that only Jesus can satisfy our longings. We can not deny the fact that we all need money so money in itself is not evil but the love for it is what makes it evil. This happens especially when we become too consumed by the desire for it. We must always put God in everything that we do and strive to always be detached from the things in this world that separates us from God. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 Timothy 6:2c-12

...For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses... 

The problem in wealth does not lie on acquiring too much of it but our response to the wealth entrusted to us. If we have been blessed with it then there is a responsibility that goes with it. We should always be driven to action by a holy and godly motivation seeking not to enrich ourselves in evil means and for evil intentions. I could never forget those times when I was not working yet and used to spend most of my time in church and in the company of the Seniors Ministry. The highlight of it all was the opportunity to talk about God and praise and thank Him for all the wonderful things He has done for us. It's like the meeting of minds, bodies and souls to exult God to the highest heavens. It was definitely a time of blessings. What's most important in life is to store up riches in heaven that we can bring with us when we die. All our material wealth will be left behind and only the good things we've done will follow us. Amen. Hallelujah!

P S A L M

Psalm 49:6-7. 8-10. 17-18. 19-20

R: Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

 ...They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 7 [8] Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 8 [9] too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 9 [10] to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 16 [17] Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, 17 [18] for when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down.

If we are entrusted with such wealth then there is a responsibility that goes with and we must use it a manner in the same way that these early Christians in today's gospel did. We should know what God is asking from us to do, discern it well and be able to respond to that call. God does not bring us to somewhere comfortable at all times. God measures our faith by what He sees. He needs to see our faith by the kind of journey we have. Just like Jesus we have to journey from one place to another and not every place promises to be pleasant and enjoyable though, we are assured that each part of the journey is all worth it if we allow Jesus to take our hand, lead us and not just tag along. He would surely bring us to the everlasting joy and perfect happiness that no one has ever known. Amen. Hallelujah!

Luke 8:1-3

1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.