Friday, 22nd September 2023. Read 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Ps. 49:6-10,17-20, 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)
In today’s first reading, Paul speaks directly to Timothy, a young Bishop in the early church. Paul warns Timothy of the temptation of using his office as a money-making enterprise. As far back as that time, many charlatans were attracted to ministry to save souls and make money for themselves. For instance, there was Simon, the Magician, who wanted to offer money to Peter to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. Acts 8:9-24)
According to St. Paul, those who consider ministry a money-making enterprise “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; through this craving, 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).
Jesus refused to bow to satan at the offer of all the kingdoms and riches of the world. (Cf. Luke 4:6-7). The truth is that satan continues to tempt God’s Ministers today. St Peter tells us: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion, your adversary, the devil, prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith… And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10)
In our Gospel passage today, Luke mentions that apart from the twelve apostles who were always with Jesus, some women “provided for them out of their means.” After rejecting Satan’s offer of wealth and all earthly kingdoms, Jesus had to depend on the charity of these women to provide for his daily bread.
We pray that God may provide men and women who will provide for His ministers so that they would resist the temptation of bowing to the devil for sustenance. However, no charity from well-meaning parishioners and friends is enough for a person who loves money. Love God, not money.
St. John summarises our reflection by saying: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may I never be ruled by money, but continue to serve your people in sincerity and truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Ps. 49:6-10,17-20, Luke 8:1-3).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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