Homily
for September 22, 2017
As popular
as today’s first reading may be, it is important to bear in mind that when Paul
was writing these lines, he was speaking directly to a young man, Timothy who
had just become a Bishop. Paul is warning Timothy against persons who have
sought to indulge in the ministry for the sake of making money.
Paul says
that such persons “have a morbid craving for controversy, and for disputes
about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions … imagining
that godliness is a means of gain.” How else can one explain the fact that
there are thousands of new worship centres opening up every day?
As much as
God has not stopped calling as many people as possible into ministry, as much
there are a lot of genuine ministers who are doing a lot to bring people closer
to God, St. Paul is writing to discourage us from placing a priority in money.
The mere
desire to be rich should never be the sole objective of entering into ministry.
This is because according to Paul, “those who desire to be rich fall into
temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge
men into ruin and destruction.”
When we
compare the lifestyle of some of today’s ministers with that of Jesus (who as
our Gospel passage this morning acknowledges), depended on the substance of
certain women who accompanied them, we see a whole world of difference.
Mind you,
St. Paul did not say money by itself is evil. What is so terribly evil is the
DESIRE or LOVE for Money as the Psalmist says: “Do not set your heart on riches
even when they increase.” Psalm 62:10. There is grave danger in making money a
priority in our lives. “But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at
righteousness, godliness, faith love, steadfastness and gentleness. Fight the
good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life.”
How are we
going to succeed in not allowing money control us? The answer is CONTENTMENT. As
a minister, never long for that which you do not have, always remember that we
all brought nothing into this world and we shall all leave taking nothing out
of the world.
Let us
pray: Lord Jesus, may I never be ruled by money but continue to serve your
people in sincerity and truth. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of
the 24th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Timothy 6:2-12 and Luke 8:1-3)
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