Daily Bible Reflections- February 16, 2012

RICH MAN, POOR MAN

 

Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? – James 2:5

 

As a Kerygma preacher, I’ve given lots of talks on how to be truly rich, including being financially rich. It’s no surprise that some people question why we “preach to get rich.”

“Is it a sin to be poor?” they ask. They would add that our Church teaches the “preferential option for the poor.” Even our key verse says that “God chooses the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.”

So, let’s all be poor, right? The real issue isn’t being wealthy or not but it’s neglecting the poor, being indifferent to them and not loving them. Wanting to be rich so you can help the poor isn’t bad. (Incidentally, people who comment on why we preach about being rich should see the ministries we do for the elderly, street kids, educational scholarships, feeding programs, jail ministries, etc.)

Being poor and remaining poor when you are given the opportunity and the power to get out of your poverty and start helping others is the “sin”! Because ultimately, it’s not about getting rich or poor. It’s about loving more (see how the verse above ends).

Do you want to be poor or rich? The more important question is: “Do you want to love more?” Alvin Barcelona (alvinbarcelona@gmail.com)

16

REFLECTION:

Am I poor and the one needing more love? Am I rich and  need to love more? Or does it matter if I’m rich or poor when it comes to loving more? Love someone today – whatever state you are in.

 

Loving Father, help me to see that I cannot be so poor as to be unable to love others more, and that I cannot be so rich as not to receive love from others and from You.

 

St. Gilbert of Sempringham, pray for us.