Our homilies at St. Mary Magdalen were about stewardship last Sunday. The readings for Friday (the 20th) cry out for us to be good stewards of the faith. If we truly believe that everything we have comes from God then everything we have must be shared with God (and His people). We must devote our time, our talents and just as importantly, our treasures with God’s people – the Church.
The readings for Friday call out to us to love God – not money. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are taught the following…
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
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.
So if the love of money is the root of all evils, the love of God must be the root of all good. In an earlier chapter, Paul stresses to Timothy that hard work must be done, but must be done for the good of all, not the good of one…find your talent and use it to bring more people closer to God.
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you through the prophetic word
with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them,
so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in both tasks,
for by doing so you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.
We are all called; we are all chosen; we should all be Christ for one another.
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.
So, if we need to work and we are profitable doing that, what do we do with the surplus? Take a quick look at tomorrow’s Gospel…it will have to be quick because it not that long. It’s amazing how much can be said in such few words…
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
who provided for them out of their resources
The mission of Christ continues today and the mission could sure use some resources…
Do something great for our Lord today…give of your time, your talent and your treasure. Continue that beautiful tradition started so long ago – share your wealth and provide for the mission…He still needs your help.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 