St. Paul gives some very sound advice to Timothy in today’s first reading from 1 Timothy 6. More on that in a moment. Our Gospel reading today is short, but important. Luke tells us that Jesus was accompanied by the Twelve, and a number of women. Why would he mention this? Because Luke wanted all to know that Jesus was a champion for the underdog. Women were generally second class citizens. But not in the eyes of the Lord. Luke’s gospel is filled with references to women and the poor and many others who were downtrodden. Because Jesus’ heart was filled with love for them.
Have you ever heard the old expression, “Money is the root of all evil?” If you have, then you’ve heard a misquote of the Scripture. In the first reading today, we see the real phrase. St. Paul says, “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.” You see, money is an inanimate object. It is just a bunch of bills or a number in a bank account. Money, in and of itself, is not evil at all.
Money is quite simply a tool. Sure, we all need it. But St. Paul is not talking about need here. He is talking about WANT. About desire. About what lengths we may go to to get or keep money. Jesus spoke often about our relationship with money and things. We have to have the right attitude towards money. And love is not the right attitude. I love my wife and kids, and I would do anything for them. But what about money? Would I do anything for money? Even to the point of putting my soul in peril?
Father, help us to have a healthy attitude toward money. Teach us to see it, not as an object of desire, but as a tool to help build Your Kingdom. Amen.
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