Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 25: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 55; Evening, Psalms 138 and 139:
Ecclesiasticus. 35:1to17; Revelation 13:11to18; Luke 12:32to48
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12: 34)
I really had to look at this passage closely. I have heard that if you really want to know what a person’s priorities are just look at their checkbook, or perhaps today, their receipts, as fewer people are writing actual checks today. The point is the same, what we really care about is revealed by where we put our money.
This means our money follows our heart’s desire rather than our hearts following our money. Money, all by itself, has no desire at all. Some of us may not have the money that will allow us to follow our heart’s desire. That doesn’t mean we don’t have desires. Of course we do.
I think the most important lesson here is that we can learn to love and desire what God wants us to desire, and that is, to do God’s will. Over the years I have outgrown some selfish desires in life. I don’t care about fancy cars, or clothes anymore. Unfortunately I had to experience some of these things to realize they aren’t that important. Blessed is the person who has never had these material things and never wanted them.
Real happiness for me now is seeing to it that others have the simple things in life, food, health care, housing, education, and a way to get around as they need to. My happiness in part, is based on the happiness of my neighbor. I believe this is the desire that God wants me to have. So where is my treasure?
I give to my church and to charitable organizations. I join clubs and organizations who also share my desire to care for the poor and disenfranchised. I know my little treasure won’t bring an end to their plight but it makes me feel better and brings some joy to my heart, knowing that I helped with some relief for them.
Money is not meant to be worshiped but it will reveal the nature of our worship. We are to love God and love our neighbor. As far as I know, God does not need any money. Some of our neighbors do. These are the neighbors we are asked by God to love. Loving our neighbor should be our heart’s desire.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia; Israel and Palestine, and our schools. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 