How we spend our money says a lot about our values and priorities. The Letter of James weighs in on the topic, warning us of the consequences if we fail to use wealth wisely.
Let’s take a look at some of the main themes in the readings for the 26th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Numbers 11:25-29
Some of the spirit of Moses is bestowed upon seventy elders who now prophesy.
Eldad and Medad were not on the list of Moses, but the spirit still came upon them; when Joshua attempted to have Moses stop them, Moses prayed that the Lord would make everyone a prophet!
Psalm – 19:8,10,12-14
“The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.”
The Psalmist praises the law of the Lord and exhorts others to follow God’s commands.
2nd Reading – James 5:1-6
James calls on the rich to weep over their impending miseries as their wealth will be destroyed.
Included is a list of the evils they have done for their own benefit at the expense of others.
Gospel – Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
Jesus stops the Apostle John from preventing someone who is casting out a demon in the Lord’s name.
The Lord then teaches that anything that keeps us from the kingdom of God should be “plucked out” lest it lead us to destruction in Gehenna.
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man pokes at our consciences. Do we see the poverty around us and respond with compassion? We know the teaching of Jesus…may we ask the Lord for the grace to put His words into practice.
Today’s Gospel reading follows up on yesterday’s encounter with the rich young man. As Jesus speaks to His disciples, he reveals the power of detachment as the way that leads us to eternal life.
The Gospel of Matthew highlights how the temptation of riches can undermine the central place of the Lord in our lives. Rather, we are invited to constantly examine what is most important in our hearts as we seek to put Christ first before all else.
The Lord offers a blunt teaching about money, reminding us that God is our first and greatest priority…whereas money is a tool that is meant to be put to good and practical use.
The Lord teaches us in the Gospel of Luke to serve God, not things. Our possessions in this life are simply tools that we use to help us love the Lord and one another.
Three Great Things 