Today’s first reading and gospel show us how to live as followers of Jesus Christ where money is concerned. The first reading warns us about love of money. It does not warn us against money and wealth but it is the love of it. In itself, money is neither good nor bad; but it is our addiction to it that sets us off on a perilous journey. When we place money at the center of our lives, we let it become our god. The gospel, on the other hand, tells us of how some women disciples used their financial resources to fund the mission of Jesus. For these women, the purpose of having money is to further the work of Jesus.

Has wealth become the center of my life? Does my attachment to money ever stand in the way of doing what Jesus would wish me to do? How can I use my financial resources to further the work of Jesus?