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.
www.soundofsilence.ng
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com
