“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their ends is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, . . . . . . . . . . . .”
Excerpt, First Reading, Friday 8th Nov. 2024 – PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1.
So, has anyone noticed that once we set our minds too much on making money rather than on bringing value, we never tend to get that much money. Moreover, even when we do get it very much, it always seems to us like we don’t ever get enough.
Take two different church leaders for example. The one whose mind is centred on vain and earthly possessions always want to go the full hub to achieve their intentions damning any consequences on their flock. And the more they get, the more they tend to want even more. So, also come several need to defend their actions.
On the other hand, the one who isn’t concerned about material possessions, rather, only focuses on leading their flock to heaven, they tend to get plenty offers of material things over and over again. Even when such generous givers are aware that such people may have little or no use for such generous gifts.
In 2017, Pope Francis was gifted a Special Edition Lamborghini Huracan. The market value of that car at that time was $200,000.
The Pope signed on the bonnet and asked that the car should be auctioned and the proceeds donated to charity.
By mere signing on the hood of the car automatically makes it a rare article and ramps up the price.
That, my dear friend is a perfect example of the type of leaders in the second example.
Such level of poverty to the world, signifies the Pope as a shepherd who is devoid of greed, intent on bringing value to humanity and leading his flock to heaven.
Lust for earthly things leads to avarice. Avarice blinds us from truthfulness and exposes us to bias judgements and eventually into sinning.
Today’s teaching says those of us so lustful, our god is our stomach (greed) and irrespective of our disguises, destruction awaits us.
May God give us the grace to permit His will to be realised in our life.
Folks, have a fantastic day and a pleasant weekend.
#Blessed_Carlo_Acutis! #Pray_for_us!
– Akase F. Agabo
8th Nov. 2024