Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr (Memorial)
. . . rich in what matters to God. (Luke 12:21)
How often, when you give away a smile or a hug, do you receive it right back? Quite a lot, probably. That’s because love multiplies when you share it. It’s not exactly the same with money. When you give it, say to a merchant, you don’t get any back. Your bank account is diminished.
Today’s Gospel warns us that if we focus primarily on our possessions and money, we might approach Jesus like the fellow having a hard time with his brother. He asks Jesus to help him secure his share of an earthly inheritance. Unfortunately, he’s asking the wrong person. While Jesus does care about our financial situations, he is much more vested in our spiritual riches. He is rich in mercy and kindness, and he wants to make us rich too. This is the kind of wealth that “matters to God” (Luke 12:21).
Just as a person approaches a financial advisor to grow their material wealth, we can ask Jesus to help us grow our spiritual wealth. Often, this starts by appreciating the immense value of riches we already have: humility or patience, mercy or love. We can ask him to help us grow in them even more.
But we don’t have to stop there. Because our spiritual “treasure chests” matter to God, he is ready to give us even more. Do you need more compassion? Ask for it! Are you stuck in some kind of resentment? Ask for the gift of forgiveness. Unlike the brother who wanted to hold on to his share of money, God loves to share his bounty. His spiritual riches don’t deplete when he gives them away.
Your spiritual treasure chest won’t be any less full, either, even if you try to empty it out on people every day. Remember Jesus’ promise: “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:38). When you are rich in what matters to God, you can spread the wealth without losing anything. That’s how generous Jesus is!
“Lord, help me to receive more and more from you so that I can give more and more to everyone else.”
Ephesians 2:1-10
Psalm 100:1-5
Daily Marriage Tip for October 17, 2016:
Do you know your spouse’s love language? Take an online test (or read the book if you have it) and have a conversation about how you both give and receive love best.