Go, sell what you have
Published Feb 28, 2022 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Scriptures show an ambivalent attitude toward wealth. At times it was praised and admired—as the fruit of wisdom (Prv 10:4), or the reward of humility and fear of God (Prv 10:22). More frequently, however, wealth was viewed unfavorably. The man who trusts in his wealth rather than in God will fail (Ps 52:9). Wealth breeds anxiety, can damage its possessor, and will ultimately be lost, leaving the possessor with nothing (Eccl 5:10-19).
Jesus’ invitation for the man to sell what he has goes beyond letting go of his possessions in terms of money and “bank accounts.” In the ancient Mediterranean world, the person’s greatest possessions were his family, home, and land. Jesus is therefore asking the man to break ties with his family and kin who are essential for life and survival. It would be a form of social suicide, if there were no compensating factors. These Jesus presents immediately: “treasure in heaven.” These are not to be understood primarily as graces or spiritual blessings. Rather, when the man leaves the security of his family and possessions, God himself will replace the sources of his sustenance. God and Jesus’ new community of disciples will replace his family of flesh and blood.
FIRST READING • 1 Pt 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
Scriptures show an ambivalent attitude toward wealth. At times it was praised and admired—as the fruit of wisdom (Prv 10:4), or the reward of humility and fear of God (Prv 10:22). More frequently, however, wealth was viewed unfavorably. The man who trusts in his wealth rather than in God will fail (Ps 52:9). Wealth breeds anxiety, can damage its possessor, and will ultimately be lost, leaving the possessor with nothing (Eccl 5:10-19).
Jesus’ invitation for the man to sell what he has goes beyond letting go of his possessions in terms of money and “bank accounts.” In the ancient Mediterranean world, the person’s greatest possessions were his family, home, and land. Jesus is therefore asking the man to break ties with his family and kin who are essential for life and survival. It would be a form of social suicide, if there were no compensating factors. These Jesus presents immediately: “treasure in heaven.” These are not to be understood primarily as graces or spiritual blessings. Rather, when the man leaves the security of his family and possessions, God himself will replace the sources of his sustenance. God and Jesus’ new community of disciples will replace his family of flesh and blood.
FIRST READING • 1 Pt 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.