Friday, September 17, 2021

THE SPRITUAL JOY OF CONTENTMENT

Meditation for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
(1 Tim 6:2-12; Lk 8:1-3)

In today’s edition, St Paul gives a very sensitive and important instruction to Timothy. He tells Timothy to avoid dabbling into issues and teachings that do not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and which do not accord with godliness. A religious who does that has a craving for controversy, which produces envy, dissension, slander, suspicions; he is depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. However, St Paul says, “There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take away anything out of the world.”

 He goes further to instruct Timothy about the importance of contentment and to avoid greed. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” St Paul warns that the love of money is the root of all evils. The craving for MORE money, and for financial security have made some to wander away, and such craving brings with it many sorrows. How ugly it looks to see a priest or church leader consumed with desire for money! One who is already contented with what he has will always have more, but his real craving is for love of Jesus Christ. His energy shall be channeled righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, etc.

The gospel of today gives us examples of faithful women, who journeyed along with Jesus. Some of them were touched by the power of Jesus and He healed them. Their response in following Jesus was not for any gain, instead, they provided for them out of their means. Imagine how these poor women were able to gather things to support the apostles! Again, imagine how Jesus and His disciples were so contented that they enjoyed the support of these simple women, and not looking up to the rich and mighty! Yes, a church leader who craves for money will definitely be out of reach from the poor and simple; he cannot lead them, and they cannot follow him. So, let us be contented that we may remain godly and steadfast in witnessing to Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint Robert Bellarmine, Pray for us. Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Friday September 17th, 2021.
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