On the 13th Sunday of Luke, Fr. Matthew Howell preaches about the encounter between the rich young ruler and our Lord Jesus Christ. He points out that the money is not the problem per se, but that the love of money interferes with the young man’s ability to follow Christ. Because God gave us free will, we use that will to serve a master: either our possessions and passions or our uncreated God. Following the lead of St. Nikolai of Zica, Fr. Matthew talks about how neither states of wealth nor poverty are virtuous in and of themselves, but are given to us by God so that we can be stewards of His gifts and care for and bless those whom we encounter. He also highlights how tithing and almsgiving are not about the budget of the parish or the paycheck of the priest, but are matters of one’s heart and how it is oriented toward or away from God.
Fr. Matthew quotes from St. Nikolai Velimirovic:
“Wealth is not evil in itself, as nothing that God has created is evil in itself, but men’s bondage to riches, lands and possessions is evil; and the destructive passions that riches empower and invoke, such as adultery, gluttony, drunkenness, miserliness, boastfulness, self-praise, vanity, pride, scornfulness, and denigration of the poor, forgetfulness of God and so on ad infinitum, are evil…
…Above all, a rich man finds it difficult to fast, and without fasting there is neither the taming of the body, nor humility nor true prayer. The Lord therefore says that it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. But in saying this, He does not say that it is easy for the poor to enter into the Kingdom. Poverty has its temptations just as riches do. A rich man is saved by his great acts of charity and humility before God, and a poor man by his great patience, endurance and endless hope in God. There will be no salvation for a rich man who is mean and proud, nor will there be for a poor man who complains of his lot and despairs of God’s help” (Homilies, Volume 2, page 316).
Galatians 6:11-18
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Luke 18:18-27
At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.