"You cannot give yourself to God and money" (Mt 6:24). Although few admit it, money is God's greatest competition, that thing which we are most tempted to put ahead of God. Money is the means to pleasure and a life of self-satisfaction. Money facilitates worship of self.
Consequently, many young rich men and women continue to walk sadly away from Jesus (Mk 10:22). Like Judas, many commonly sell Jesus for a few pieces of silver (Mt 26:15) or even for the petty pleasures that money can buy. For example, Esau sold out for just a bowl of red soup (Gn 25:30-31).
"The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tm 6:10). It all comes down to God or money, lifestyle, and self. We must consider "riches nothing in comparison" with God (Wis 7:8) and consider God's word "more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Ps 119:72). We must "put aside everything to follow" Jesus (Mk 10:28).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I choose You over pleasure. |
| PROMISE: | "God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit." –Heb 4:12 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus, Who gave His all for the incomparable treasure of our salvation. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College