The first reading: (Timothy 6:2–12).
The responsorial psalm: (Psalm 49).
Response: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Gospel: (Luke 8:1–3).
Reflection:
There is great gain in godliness with contentment. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 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. For the love of money is the root of all evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this. Aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
My friends, have you ever heard of something called contentment? It is a state of happiness and satisfaction with oneself, being at peace with where you are, who you are, and what you have, without comparing yourself with others or craving what the other person possess. We are on different paths. Someone driving a Rolls-Royce does not mean you must also drive one. Pleas be content with what you have. Live within your means, pals.
We hear it said often, “I am content with what I have.” This means appreciating your current circumstances without longing for more, as long as your basic needs are met. Why should we crave excess? We often fail at contentment because we compare ourselves to others. We want to live like them, or even beyond them, and that pushes us into dangerous desires. As the saying goes, cut your coat according to your material, not even your size. The size can be bigger than what you can afford. We are not the same materially, some will always be greater than you, and that is simply the reality. The Aristotelian ethic that virtue lies in the mean rings true: no excess, no lack. Virtue lies in moderation. (Proverbs 30:8) reminds us: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread, what will satisfy my needs.”
St. Paul advises Timothy that there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out. Why then pile up possessions that we do not need and cannot take with us when we die? Greed is what destroys many souls, the desire to amass and to grasp endlessly.
The love of money gives birth to many evils: theft, embezzlement, bribery, cheating, lies, scams, cults, prostitution, and even ritual killings. It corrupts prophets and preachers, who twist the gospel, fake miracles, or demand seed money. Greed leads people into destruction and robs them of peace. What good is money if it steals your soul and your rest? Even our political leaders, they look clean and honest until they get to a position where they can make a lot of money, then they begin to sellout. It is painful to us. But we must ask ourselves, what would I do if that was me in that position?
Rather, blessed are the poor in spirit. To be poor in spirit is to be content with who you are and what you have, thanking God for His provision without looking to others in envy.
Dear fellow children of God, we should shun the love of money and the desire to be rich at all costs. Money itself is not evil; it is a tool. But the love of money leads to ruin. Live within your means. Be content. What you do not have, you do not have. What you do have, use wisely. Live moderately.
Today we celebrate St. Januarius, Bishop of Benevento near Naples, who suffered martyrdom in 305 during the persecution of Diocletian, together with deacons and laypeople. May his intercession help us live worthy lives, free from greed, and rich in contentment.
God bless you and have a wonderful weekend.
Pal Ronnie
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