HOMILY FOR THE FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY -FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Friday of the Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1.

For love of money.
1 Tim. 6:2-12; Luke 8: 1-3

Religion today is a money making venture in many circles. Our people want miracles; nay, magic. Hence our preachers have gone ‘crazy’. Look around you. People are so gullible, they would believe anything they are told. Some now worship God naked, some eat grass or turn to horses at the command of their pastors. In one extreme case, a particular preacher claimed to have been sent by God to spread divine semen. What? This is what happens when we can’t be content with what we have. The sometimes irrational and absurd demands of congregations have turned preachers to magicians, liars, stunt masters, native doctors and fraudsters. It’s a shame.

Today, St Paul encourages Timothy to preach truth. We must not twist God’s message for money or fame or power. We brought nothing into this world and we shall go away with nothing. Why all the craze about money? St Paul tells us that those who long to be rich will fall prey to temptation. They get trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambitions which eventually plunge them into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil. Just as Jesus Christ went round the villages, preaching the good news of God, so must we. The intention must never be to make money, or gain cheap popularity. It must be totally for God’s sake.

Good morning dear. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.