Daily Bible: God is Faithful
What would your life be like if you could imitate Saint Paul as he describes himself in Philippians 4:10-19, content in all circumstances because of faith in Jesus? The eternal perspective given to us by faith should be an anchor for us in any life circumstance. Note how Saint Paul encourages the Philippians in their generosity to him not because he required it, but because he wanted to encourage their response of charity (Christ-like love) as an exercise of their own faith.
Psalm 112:1-9 is a great lesson in what it means to “fear the Lord.” Notice how the first line says that the man who fears the Lord is blessed. This word “blessed” is the same word used by Jesus in the Beatitudes. It means “happy.” The next line defines “fear of the Lord” as greatly delighting in God’s Commands. The righteous man does not follow God’s commands out of fear of punishment. He follows God’s commands out of love and respect for God. The Covenant is his primary concern, which empowers him to deal justly with his fellow man without worrying over possible loss (just like Saint Paul in the first reading).
Jesus’ words in Luke 16:9-15 seem a little confusing, and require a bit of explanation. Jesus says, “make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth.” This is quite a surprising statement! The first thing that throws us is the term “dishonest.” This is of course the English translation of a Greek word, μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας (mamona tes adikias). The word “mamon” refers not just to money but to all material goods. The term adikias can be translated as “iniquity” or “inequality,” and it refers not so much to wealth that is gained dishonestly as wealth that is amassed by some and not by others. So a better understanding of “dishonest wealth” might be “fallen earthly goods.” Do Jesus is not saying to be dishonest. Whew. But He is still saying to make friends with earthly wealth. Doesn’t this go against His other teachings to store up treasures in Heaven rather than earthly treasures? At first glance it sure seems to. But read on! Jesus isn’t saying to be friends with earthly wealth. He is saying to use earthly wealth to make friends – in other words use it to help others! In doing so, you will store up treasure in Heaven. Our Lord goes on to say that you need to be honest and trustworthy with “dishonest wealth” so that you can be trusted with greater things. These verses are part of the Catholic understanding that earthly wealth is not necessarily evil, but that it should be used for the Kingdom of God rather than for selfishness.
Reflection Questions
1. What areas of your life challenge your contentment in Christ? Pray about these areas that you may learn to be content in all thing because of Christ who strengthens you.
2. How can you use your earthly wealth to serve the Kingdom of God by sharing God’s love and goodness with others? Try to think of ways beyond just giving money to good causes.
Brought to you by Jeffrey S. Arrowood at From the Abbey, dedicated to helping you rediscover the JOY of learning and living your faith so you can grow in intimacy with God.