LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS - One Bread, One Body, 9/9/2009

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009, St. Peter Claver

Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13, Luke 6:20-26
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LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

"Woe to you rich, for your consolation is now." —Luke 6:24

Most of you who read this live in dwellings with running water, indoor
plumbing, electricity, and heating. Many of you have automobiles,
refrigerators, and TVs. Some of you have dishwashers, computers, and air
conditioning. A few of you have second homes, boats, and millions of
dollars.

Jesus says: "Woe to you rich" (Lk 6:24). It's so easy to shrug off His
words and think, "He can't be talking about me. I don't have a dishwasher,
and I don't have a summer home." Forget those comparisons. If we must
compare, let's compare ourselves to those Jesus addressed. Every one of
those people walked a long distance to the "level stretch" by the mountain
(Lk 6:17). No one had coolers full of ice and drinks. There were no
bathrooms or vending machines. Nearly all of them slept on mats on the
floor of what we would consider huts. Even the rich in the crowd and in
that society couldn't imagine in their wildest dreams the lifestyle most
of us live today. Yet Jesus felt it was important for His first-century
hearers to be warned of the woes of riches.

"I am about to give you some advice on this matter of rich and poor" (2
Cor 8:10). Jesus is the same today as on that day (Heb 13:8). By His
standards, we are rich — and in danger of woe. Don't disregard Jesus'
words. He is Lord and Judge. We must tremble at His word (Is 66:2). We
must judge our lives by His words and standards, not by those of our
culture.

Repent of not using your resources for the kingdom of God. Simplify your
lives. Tithe and give alms, and "all will be wiped clean for you" (Lk
11:41).

Prayer: Jesus, though rich, You made Yourself poor for my sake (2 Cor
8:9). I give my finances, my lifestyle, my all to You.

Promise: "When Christ our Life appears, then you shall appear with Him in
glory." —Col 3:4

Praise: St. Peter gave the richness of dignity to those most forgotten and
mistreated.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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