saved and savings
"The foolish ones said to the sensible, 'Give us some of your oil. Our torches are going out.' " —Matthew 25:8
There's something inside that urges us to save, store, hoard, and stockpile. Many considered it a virtue to save money and stockpile bombs. We're constantly "saving for a rainy day" while millions starve because of drought and war. The Lord's words to the man who stored up his harvest were: "You fool! This very night your life shall be required of you. To whom will all this piled-up wealth of yours go?" (Lk 12:20) How can we save our money when others need immediate emergency aid? Don't we trust our Abba for our daily bread? (Mt 6:11)
However, the Lord does encourage us to store up treasure in heaven (Mt 6:20). We should have plenty of the oil of holiness so we're ready to meet Jesus the Bridegroom, even if He tarries till the midnight hour (Mt 25:6). In our earthen vessels, we are to store up the treasure of a deep, strongly committed life in the Spirit (2 Cor 4:7). We should have a whole wardrobe of righteousness and clothe ourselves "with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Col 3:12).
Don't "save for a rainy day"; save for Judgment Day. Double your talents (Mt 25:20), bear the hundredfold harvest (Mk 4:20), and come before the Lord bearing the gifts of a life fruitful for His kingdom.
Prayer: Father, may I trust You enough to withdraw from the earthly bank and to deposit in the heavenly bank.
Promise: "The message of the cross is complete absurdity to those who are headed for ruin, but to us who are experiencing salvation it is the power of God." —1 Cor 1:18
Praise: St. Monica modeled patience in her lifelong, trusting prayers for her husband and son.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Be Holy, For I Am Holy.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010
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