A reading from the letter to the Hebrews:
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for God has said. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me.?” – Hebrews 13:5
Reflection
When I was a kid I had an unhealthy relationship with video games. After my parents caved and gave me my first video game system – a Nintendo 64 – I became hooked. After getting my first job, having no sense of financial responsibility despite my parents’ best efforts, I blew most of my money on games and the latest systems. Never feeling content, I spent more and more and more.
By Michelle Dot Com from Unsplash.com
Today, while I may have the odd race in Mario Kart with my daughters, I don’t care much for video games. It’s hard for me to fathom the amount of money I poured into games and what else I could have used that money for. However, feelings of discontent don’t disappear as you get older. Temptation to spend money on a new car, a bigger home, or other luxuries are ever present. I once met a family who lived in a nice home in Vaughn, drove a Land Rover, and recently purchased a cottage up north. At first, I thought they were being sarcastic, but they were seriously complaining about how little they have.
On the one hand I was shocked, but I shouldn’t have been. Money is a tool that can be used for a lot of good and has the potential to make life easier. However, in our materially driven and consumerist culture many have come to love money more than people. Yet, we know that things like money are meant to be used and people are meant to be loved. It seems like we’ve got it backwards. Some love money and use people.
We all have a “God shaped hole” in our lives that can only be filled by experiencing God’s love. Yet we have the tendency to fill that with anything but God. Yet while things and our desire pass away, God never leaves or forsakes us.
Let us pray,
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Thank you for loving me. Have mercy on me for the times I have placed greater value on material things than people. Grant me the wisdom to properly prioritize things and people in my life. Help me to be content in the areas of my life where I ought to be content. In my pursuit of a fulfilling career, help me to not lose sight of those who are in need. Inspire me to use my blessings at Your serivce. Open my mind and heart to make You the centre of my life.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
