"Look at the birds of the sky . . . are you not more important?"
The Word for Sunday: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/030214.cfm
Is 49: 14-15
I Cor: 4: 1-5
Mt. 6: 24-34
Our
readings this Sunday offer us a good reflection as we begin the season of Lent
in just a few days. Jesus reminds us
that, “No one can serve two masters . . . you cannot serve God and mammon.”
Then, we are assured there is no need to despair. Isaiah reminds us that the Lord will never
forget us - like a mother who cannot forget her child. Reassuring words but
there is a tension that we all feel between the power of money and material goods
(mammon) and the power of God. Both want
to possess us. Both want to be masters
of our life so which master will we serve?
When
Jesus warns against the danger of riches, he essentially is referring to the
danger of greed. When we hold on to what
we have (greed) and allow ourselves to be held tight by our stuff it is a form
of idolatry - placing other “gods” before the true God. A look to a very
popular television show illustrates this.
I’m
not a big TV watcher but there is one that I have to admit I’ve become somewhat
addicted to: the very popular British drama, Downton Abbey. The story line is essentially about an
aristocratic family in the 1920’s who have inherited “old money” and exist
principally to maintain not only their lifestyle and age old traditions but
also the home in which they live; the castle like, enormous and palatial,
Downton Abbey. Though they experience great tragedies in the death of family
members, they are to never give the impression they are much ruffled by the ups
and downs of life. A “stiff upper lip” is the way.
They
are formally addressed as “Your Ladyship” and “Your Lordship.” They have servants who cook for them, valets
who dress them, drivers who chauffeur them around, maids who clean their rooms,
etc. In essence they are slaves to their own history which tightly holds them
and defines their existence. They are
basically a two dimensional people and are generally suspicious of new trends
and change. They are not bad people. They treat their servants well. They show signs of occasional compassion for
others but this
aristocratic family knows that it’s all about money and the lack of it can
change their lives drastically. Then what?
Meanwhile,
the servants live downstairs of the residence in much simpler quarters and are
available for every need of the family upstairs. However, they seem more human,
more in touch with reality, and clearly less possessed by the little they have.
In
this example, we are moved to question what would happen if the rich ones lost everything. Could they go on at all? Could we?
Our
Gospel this Sunday reminds us that security is not found in material
things. Wealth is not the problem so
much as the attachment to it; the unwillingness to share which is clearly a
form of greed and the near total dependence on it for our existence, which is
idolatry. True security is found only in
dependence on God who loves us more than the, “birds in the sky” or the “wild
flowers” or the “grass of the field” which he cares for. Our basic need for food, shelter and clothing
are all a concern of God. Our lives will
be more meaningful, more joyful, and more secure if we place at the center the
God who wants to possess us completely.
Everything else will fall in place.
As
we approach the grace of Lent this might provide us with a good reflection on
the basic values of our life. What “master”
possess us? Who do we serve - God or materialism?
God’s
vision of our life may be drastically different than our own. Jesus invites us
to essentially be indifferent to riches in all its form. Don’t “worry” about what we are to eat, drink
or wear. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness . . .”
If
God is at the center of our lives and we live in a way that is of service to
him, then whether we are rich or poor or anywhere in between, our lives will be
meaningful. Live for the moment, trust
in God who cares for you, and serve him alone in the sharing of material and spiritual
goods. It seems the Lord is inviting us
be authentic disciples.
Our
sharing in the Eucharist is a true act of thanksgiving to God for the riches of
his love and mercy.
and count
our oblations as signs
of our
desire to serve you with devotion,
we ask
of your mercy
that what
you grant as the source of merit
may also
help us to attain merit’s reward.
Through
Christ our Lord.
(Prayer over the
Offerings – Roman Missal)
No comments:
Post a Comment