My brothers and sisters,
For some reason, the desire for more and more seems to be imprinted in our fallen nature. Just like Adam and Eve, we are grasping, reaching out for more. We are not satisfied with what God has provided for us. But material goods cannot be the purpose of life for a Christian. They can never satisfy the longing we have in our heart.
Putting our energy into obtaining more wealth, power, and social status distracts us from our Christian mission of serving God and loving Him with all of our heart and spreading the Good News to our neighbor. While material things are not necessarily bad, letting them become “gods” is idolatry. We cannot put material things in the place of God in our life. Only the one true God can really bring us lasting peace and contentment. Any happiness derived from these worldly pursuits is temporary and leaves us empty.
Our treasures must be mercy, love, kindness, and charity. This is the wealth of God. When we pursue these, then we have heard our Lord’s message and are on the path of a true disciple. Then we will be truly rich in what matters to God.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
