Saturday June 27th, 2015 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (verse 9)
This is one of the paradoxes of life: we need to let go of what is important to us, in order to learn its true value. If we cling to money, we will always be afraid of losing it; money will preoccupy our thoughts and actions. If we are willing and able to let it go, then we will find the true value of money-a means to an end, a means to enable life-giving ministry, a means to share what God has given us with those in need.
This spiritual effort reminds me of a classical myth which was oftentimes depicted in Christian art, Hercules at the Crossroads. Hercules is visited by two nymphs, Pleasure and Virtue. They offer him the choice between a pleasant and easy life, or a severe and glorious life. Hercules chooses the latter, just as Christians are asked to choose the way of Jesus, the challenging path to true freedom and richness.
Lord Jesus, help me understand that a rich human life is not found in the accumulation of money. Help me put you centre, so that I can learn to be of value to others. Amen. — KLB
Contributed by What Makes us Rich?
This is one of the paradoxes of life: we need to let go of what is important to us, in order to learn its true value. If we cling to money, we will always be afraid of losing it; money will preoccupy our thoughts and actions. If we are willing and able to let it go, then we will find the true value of money-a means to an end, a means to enable life-giving ministry, a means to share what God has given us with those in need.
This spiritual effort reminds me of a classical myth which was oftentimes depicted in Christian art, Hercules at the Crossroads. Hercules is visited by two nymphs, Pleasure and Virtue. They offer him the choice between a pleasant and easy life, or a severe and glorious life. Hercules chooses the latter, just as Christians are asked to choose the way of Jesus, the challenging path to true freedom and richness.
