The Love of Money and the Root of Evil.

_(Friday 20th September 2019. Read 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3)_

_“There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. *(1 Timothy 6:6-7)*_

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 Catholic Bishop in the early church. Paul is warning Timothy warning him against using his position as an avenue of seeking riches.

Those who consider ministry as a money-making enterprise, according to St. Paul, “fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11).

In other words, when St. Paul said “the love of money is the root of evils”, he was saying it specifically in the context of those who embrace the call to ministry. And this is important; bearing in mind that Paul was not addressing the lay faithful. When Paul mentioned some who have wandered away from the faith, he was talking about ministers who out of a craving for riches have become a caricature of themselves. The lesson we must take home from this passage is that “the call to ministry is a call to poverty.” Simple!

Ministry and love of riches do not go together. When the minister becomes consumed by a desire to accumulate wealth, it dangerously affects his ministry. Jesus refused to bow to satan at the offer of all the kingdoms and riches of the world. (Luke 4:6-7). Today, satan continues to tempt God’s ministers with riches just to pull them out of the way.

This is why we should not be surprised at the crave for private jets and expensive things among ministers under the guise of the gospel of prosperity; a fake gospel that has not only corrupted many ministers but produced a generation of Christians who shout “I receive it" in the church but go home to live as though God does not exist. Beneath all these displays of riches, beneath this useless competition in the acquisition of material wealth among ministers is satan quietly at work!

Back in the days, the phrase “as poor as a church rat” was used to describe the minister considering the fact that he has left everything behind to follow Jesus. This was before the era of prosperity gospel. There were not many churches as we have it today; souls were converted and many lived like Christ. Today, God’s ministers really have to decide whether to shepherd the flock under their care or resign from ministry and face their money-making enterprises squarely. They have to choose between the work of God or being C.E.O’s of schools, universities, hospitals, airlines and other businesses too numerous to mention.

It was to avoid this problem and in consonance with Paul’s advice to Timothy that the Catholic Church mandates that her ministers live by the vow of poverty. The Pope is the head of the church but he has nothing to his name so is every priest and religious. Sadly, in the name of “personal ministries,” some catholic priests are beginning to toe the line of prosperity preachers and more sadly, many have even left the church.

For the rest of us who are not into ministry, there is nothing wrong with being industrious, working hard for your money and making a positive impact on society. St. Paul was not having you in mind when he wrote our first reading. Nevertheless, let us remember the words of Jesus to “seek first the kingdom of God that everything else shall be added.” (Matthew 6:33) And as the Psalmist would warn: “Do not set your heart on riches even when they increase.” (Psalm 62:10). Above all, be generous to God’s ministers and encourage them in their poverty.

In our Gospel passage today, Luke mentions the fact that apart from the twelve apostles who were always with Jesus, there were some women who “provided for them out of their means.” Even though Jesus did not ordain any of these women, the role they played was indeed vital to the success of Jesus’ ministry. These women worked in the background but the fruit of the labours speaks volumes.

Today, many clamour for the ordination of women in the name of gender equality; this argument is premised on the assumption that the priest is more important than the sister because of the role he plays. Think of it this way, do we say a driver is more important than the engine of the car because the driver is seen and the engine is not? Do we say the role of the women who provided for Jesus and his disciples was not as important as the role of the twelve? The fact that women are not ordained does not mean they are less than men in any way. Even though they are not ordained, the roles they play are just as important and necessary as that of the ordained.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I never be ruled by money but continue to serve your people in sincerity and truth. Amen.

We ask the martyrs St. Andrew Kim Taegon and companions to intercede for us as we remember them today. 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: 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Psalm 49 and Luke 8:1-3)