Scripture: Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Thought for the Day: Richard Rohr was recently writing about Saint Francis of Assisi, and how he was released dazed and disillusioned after being a prisoner of war. Rohr writes that Francis felt “there must be something more than all this cruelty and aggression. Francis seemed to realize that there is an intrinsic connection between violence and the need to protect one’s possessions, perks, and privileges.” At the core of most acts of violence is a fear that someone is going to take my stuff or my status, and then religion is often used to justify the fear and the violent response. Francis was transformed by this new realization to the point of living the remainder of his life with only a few basic possessions. In all honesty, I am not ready to go there. I am awed by such a commitment, but I confess to liking my stuff. This is where relinquishing our grip, letting go and giving away is so important. If we own our stuff and are able to easily give it away, then it is less likely that our stuff owns us. A true spirit of generosity allows individuals and a society to be less protective and less violent when it comes to the protection of this stuff. Jesus challenges us as his followers in so many ways, including when he suggest that if people try to take your shirt, give them your coat as well (Matthew 5:40).
Prayer: Continue to work on me, Merciful God, so that my stuff is not a chain that enslaves me. Teach me the generosity of Jesus; help me to let go and give graciously; bring me to a simpler life that is not threatened by the wants and desires of others. Amen.
TONIGHT
