"Religion is a treasure.''  

 

St. Januarius, bishop and martyr

 

＊＊＊1st Reading＊＊＊

1 Timothy 6:2c-12

Teach and stress these things. Whoever teaches in some other way,

not following the sound teaching of our Lord Christ Jesus, and true religious instruction,

is conceited and understands nothing. This one is crazy about controversies and discussions that result in envy,

insults, blows and constant arguments between people of depraved minds, and far from the truth.

For them, religion is merely for financial gain.

In reality, religion is a treasure, if we are content with what we have.

We brought nothing into the world and we will leave it with nothing.

Let us, then, be content with having food and clothing. Those who strive to be rich fall into temptations and traps.

A lot of foolish and harmful ambitions plunge them into ruin and destruction.

Indeed, the love of money is the root of every evil. Because of this greed,

some have wandered away from the faith, bringing on themselves afflictions of every kind.

But you, man of God, shun all this. Strive to be holy and godly. Live in faith and love,

with endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith and win everlasting life,

to which you were called when you made the good profession of faith in the presence of so many witnesses.

 

＊＊＊Gospel＊＊＊

Luke 8:1-3

Jesus walked through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the good news of the kingdom of God.

The Twelve followed him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases:

Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward;

Suzanna; and others, who provided for them out of their own funds.

 

＊＊＊Reflection＊＊＊

"Religion is a treasure.''

Karl Marx famously described religion as the "opium of the people,"

since he considered religion to be a set of beliefs and practices which subdued the general population

and kept them quiet and uncomplaining in their misery. How different is Saint Paul's vision of religion!

Religion is "a treasure," he says. Yes, in writing to Saint Timothy, Paul is reminding him of the importance of detachment from material things,

so that our lives aren't spoilt by constant complaining about not having enough.

But Paul is not advocating a life of abject poverty. Nor is he promoting a society built on injustice.

Rather, he is challenging a way of life and a society that is built on greed.

History shows many examples of the misuse of religion as a support for the powerful.

But a religion that worships in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24) is not a drug to make us forget hardship or injustice.

Instead, it is a "treasure" that transforms our lives and those around us.

The simplicity and generosity proposed by Paul creates more room in our lives for God and for others,

and our lives and society are then built on love and not greed.