Readings: 1 Timothy 6:2-12; Psalm 49; Luke 8:1-3
In the first reading of today, St. Paul gives Timothy very sound teaching on contentment. He warns him against one of the greatest temptations of humankind, namely, the inordinate love and abuse of money.
Money is good, money is essential but we must not love it more than we should. The desire for it has led many astray, many have become slaves to it, many have exchanged their consciences for it, so many have compromised their relationship with God because of it, many have and many will lose their salvation because of it.
Today, let us reflect on five ways that money can be abused and it can become a temptation in our lives.
A. When we pursue it in a way that it comes between us and God.
St. Paul says what can come between us and the love of God, the answer for many is MONEY. Money has created a cleavage between them and God. This is “Cultus pecuniae” or “pecunialatry” (worship of money).
B. When we are desperate for money and are willing to do anything to have it to be rich.
We see the desperate things people do for money, some steal, some cheat, some destroy others, some “auction” their dignity, some even sell their souls to the devil for the sake of money. Just as we have the seven wonders of the world, we also have the seven foolishness, this is one of the foolishness of the world.
C. When we measure everything in terms of money.
Money is not supposed to be the ultimate measure of the value of things but sadly, it has become. Relationships, love, career, gifts, friendship, and vocations are now measured in terms of their monetary worth or value. This is the Judasic spirit, Judas measured even his Saviour in money.
D. When we hoard money and are not being generous with it.
The best use of money is to be generous with it. Many of us love to be given money but we find it hard to give to those in need, we find it hard to be charitable with it or even support any mission work or evangelical project.
St. Paul reminds us of the hard truth that no matter how much we are having and hoarding when death comes, we shall leave it and go empty.
In the Gospel, we have an insight into the right use of money. Some women dedicated their resources to supporting the ministry of Jesus. This is the wisest way to sow for eternal harvest, this is how to build treasures for ourselves in heaven.
E. When we waste money and spend it on useless things.
Some people have money but are irresponsible with it. They waste it to indulge themselves and spend on useless things. This is “summa in abutere petunia” (height of abuse of money). It will surprise many of us that even on the day of judgement, we shall give an account of how we have used all the gifts that God has given to us, including the money we have been blessed with.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on September 17, 2021