November 7, 2009, Saturday BVM

Read: Rom. 16: 3-9, 16, 22-27 Lk. 16: 9-15

Opening Prayer
 

“Make friends for yourselves through your use of this world’s goods, so that when they fail you, a lasting recep­tion will be yours.” (Lk. 16:9)

Jesus said that riches are a serious obstacle in accepting the Reign of God: “How hard it will be for the rich to go into the kingdom of God!” (Lk. 18:24)

"Woe to you rich, for your consolation is now. Woe to you who are full; you shall go hungry...” (Lk. 6:25-25)

“To his immediate follow­ers he demanded that they abandon all possessions." (Lk. 18:22)

Possessions are a gift from God. Some of those most distinguished by his love were immensely rich: Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon. Yet power and the search for plea­sure rots and corrupts the heart.

The rich do not think they need God. They think to render unto God their time at Mass or a check in the collection is do­ing God some favor, and that somehow God will owe back some gratitude.

This attitude tears at a relation­ship with God. Often the rich play God for a fool without real­izing it. In themselves, riches are gifts to be used for Him.

The misuse of wealth invites God’s wrath -- for many it is a source and motive of sin and a lessening of the message of God. The sharing of one’s gifts leads to profound happiness. If we exercise generosity, it can become an incredible gift to our neighbor.

The proper management of wealth (for the benefit of others) will give us both human and divine friendships that will reap great dividends into life eternal.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 37:16 “Better the pov­erty of the just than the great wealth of the wicked.”

Our Prayer Continues