Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - May 8, 2024
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
The writer of the book of Proverbs asks: “Give me neither poverty nor riches” (30:7). Either one can be very hard on the human spirit. For sure most of us are more frightened of poverty than we are of riches. In fact, superficially riches don't seem to be such a bad idea. We could use a little more leeway in our income; we could enjoy not having to scrimp; we'd like to be able to pay off the mortgage. We’d like to see a little more theater or ball games in the new stadium or take that trip to Aruba or Helsinki.
The author of Proverbs has an even-handed approach. He says: "If I have too much I am liable to ignore God and say to myself, 'I guess I'm in charge. I don't need anyone else. I might not even need God since I am able to provide for my own security.'" On the other hand, he says: "If I have too little, there is real danger that I shall pant after what I do not have or, further, scheme to get it from someone who has."
Our newspapers and media show us almost daily the perils of poverty and abundance. Overall the dangers related to having or not having material things come from our attitude, our desires, not from the things themselves. Nothing God has made is evil.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
