Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
“For the love of money is the root of all evils” (1 TM 6:10) This statement from Paul today reminds me of another message from Christ: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (MT 6:24). Money tends to get in the way of true value in many aspects of life. It can fill our wallets but it cannot fill our hearts. We live in a culture that is constantly selling us propaganda about what will make us happy and bombarding us with distractions at every turn. Having new “stuff” tends to consume our attention--the latest phone, shoes, clothes, cars, jewelry, headphones, toys, the list goes on. It is when we pursue material things that we lose sight of our faith; when we get “trapped,” as he says, by “harmful desires” --faux or fleeting moments of false happiness.
When I was a kid, I begged and pleaded for my parents to allow me to get a playstation--many of my friends had a variety of video game systems and valued them as a great source of entertainment. I thought that having video games would bring me happiness; in their great wisdom, though, they never succumbed to my requests. Instead, they invested time in us--playing family games; spending time outside; sitting down to have dinner together (almost) every night; paying for piano lessons; helping complete projects around the house; participating in our local parish. Little did I understand that the video games were more likely to be a source of false happiness. The best memories I have from my childhood--ones of joy and fulfillment--involve the ways they invested time and energy in our relationship with each other and God.
What is it then that grants us the happiness and fulfillment that we seek? Precisely what Paul goes on to tell us, “righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” Right relationship with God enacted by how we love and respect one another. Our pursuit of relationship rather than ownership; God values the way we build community, not the way we build our bank account.
- Brandon Meyer
Brandon is a new author writing for the team. He is the Director of Admissions at Chaminade Julienne High School. He joins the team alongside his wife LeeAnn. He and LeeAnn have three little ones. We are grateful to have the Meyer family with us!