Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died for our country. It's a day to acknowledge the families of those fallen heros. They bravely gave the ultimate sacrifice . . . their lives. These men and women are shining examples of what we, as Christians, must bravely do for Christ . . . sacrifice. Sacrifice our time, our money, and even our lives. As lay apostles, we are an army rising up to prepare the world for the return of Our King. Read about the lives of the saints. We don't know what Jesus has in store for us, but whatever it is, I will fight to the end for Him.
In todays Gospel (Mark 10:17-27), Jesus answers bluntly a young man desiring to follow Him. Sometimes we are not prepared for the sacrifice it takes:
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
In the booklet Heaven Speaks to Those Who Suffer from Financial Need, St. Augustine tells us despite where we are financially, we must be thankful for what we have and use it for His Glory:
In todays Gospel (Mark 10:17-27), Jesus answers bluntly a young man desiring to follow Him. Sometimes we are not prepared for the sacrifice it takes:
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
In the booklet Heaven Speaks to Those Who Suffer from Financial Need, St. Augustine tells us despite where we are financially, we must be thankful for what we have and use it for His Glory:
"Dear brothers and sisters, we in heaven remember being on earth. We remember having great wants and suffering from poverty. Some of God’s saints were wealthy on earth, of course, but many were not. The time in which you live is a time of great abundance for some. It would make God happy if this abundance were shared so that few experienced hunger that resulted in disease and death. There will always be poor people, it is true, but this fact does not excuse anyone from failing to assist them. If you are wealthy, you may say, “What can I do?” I will answer you today. Give. Give often and give more. Work for others with your power and influence. Spread holy principles of responsible use of material and financial wealth. Also, deprive yourself of something. Sacrifice. Perhaps you are in a situation where you were accustomed to a high standard of living and now you find that you have had to reduce your standard. Praise God for this. Rejoice because in this circumstance you will learn many things. You will learn to trust God. You will learn to have compassion for others. You will learn that not everything has to do with bodily comfort."
Lay apostles, whether you have money in the bank or live paycheck to paycheck, remember spiritual wealth is what we strive for . . . not a bigger house, a cooler car or designer clothes. Take the advice of St. Augustine above . . . give and serve others.
Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to grow in faith and love of others. Help me to be aware of where you need me to give and serve at all times.
God bless,
Bonnie
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