Desire for Security

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27
Psalm 145:2-5,10-11
Luke 16:9-15


A reflection on today's Scripture:

The underlying theme in today's readings deals with the basic human desire for security. Each person seeks to gain it in different ways, through family, friends, home position, possessions, money; and when all fail, some finally turn to God.

Today's Gospel follows Jesus' parable of the steward dismissed for dishonestly handling his master's property. Christ asserts there is no security in earthly wealth, for the vying to gain it leads to dishonesty; in turn this lack of trustworthiness, inspired by greed for worldly goods, precludes one's ability to seek and attain the true and
lasting treasure offered us by God--an eternal dwelling place of peace and joy with Him.

A further implication of Jesus' teaching is that those seeking God should cease loving what does not last and instead give themselves totally to Him. God asks them to embrace a poverty of heart, realize that only He can ultimately satisfy their every hunger and desire. A true believer's heart cannot remain divided.

St. Paul's letter to the Romans tells us our only security is in Christ.
Faith in Him, fidelity to His word, brings justification--forgiveness and acceptance by God our Father; it also gives salvation--the guarantee of an everlasting home and a share in the riches of His kingdom.

Spirit of Truth,
teach us to choose wisely,
that God's genuine and lasting riches
may be ours.

Amen.

- Marie L. Bocko OCDS