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Money can buy the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace and happiness.
- Henrik Ibsen
(How is your relationship with money? How attached are you to money? How much do you really need?)
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ROM 7:18-25A; PS 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
LK 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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"When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." —Luke 12:48
All Christians have by virtue of Baptism a double, simultaneous indwelling — God is in us and we are in Him (see Jn 6:56; 17:23). God has given us "immeasurably more than we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20).
God even became a Man, died on the cross, and rose from the dead for our salvation. "There is no greater love than this" (Jn 15:13).
God has given us a new nature (see 2 Pt 1:4) and made us " 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people He claims for His own to proclaim the glorious works' of the One Who called [us] from darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pt 2:9).
All this is only part of the beginning of the manifestation of God's love for us. Our future is "full of hope" (Jer 29:11), for "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9).
It is a profound understatement to say that the Lord has given us much and more than much. Because we are perfectly and infinitely loved, much more is required of us (Lk 12:48). Live and love accordingly.
Prayer: Father, make my life holy — of the highest quality.
Presentation Ministries
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Abandonment to Divine Providence
- by Jean-Pierre de Caussade
BOOK II,
CHAPTER I. ON THE NATURE AND EXCELLENCE OF THE STATE OF ABANDONMENT
SECTION VI. Submission a Free Gift to God.
The state of abandonment includes the merit of every separate operation.
What God requires of the soul is the essential part of abandonment. The free gifts He asks are abnegation, obedience, and love, the rest is His business. Provided that the soul carefully fulfils the duties of its state; provided it quietly follows the attraction given to it, and submits peacefully to the dealings of grace as to body and soul, it is in this way exercising interiorly one general and universal
act, that of abandonment. This act is by no means limited by time, nor by the special duty of the moment, but possesses in the main all the merit and efficacy which a sincere good will always has, although the result does not depend upon it. What it desired to do is done, in the sight of God.
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