“You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon.”

The readings that we have for this Sunday are very important ones for us to hear. In the first reading the Prophet Amos is speaking to the people "who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land." To these, who are dishonest and who cheat in order to get ahead at the expense of others, the Lord says, "Never will I forget a thing they have done!" The message is clear: the Lord does not show partiality and does not turn a blind eye to our economic realities. God does not ignore the things we do to get by. And when we put our trust in unethical and illegal measures to be better off, God knows.

Additionally, in the Gospel Jesus tells us, "No servant can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and mammon." When wealth and economic fortune become so important that we are willing to step on or over others in order to enrich ourselves, we imperil our souls. The second reading tells us that God "wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." We are not a Church that believes in the prosperity gospel; God cares for the poor just as much as the rich, and wealth is not a sign of God's favor. In fact, the lives of the saints show us that, often, the closer one gets to God and the more in love one falls, the greater their challenges become... but somehow, in a mysterious way, there is also a greater joy.

So as we move forward this week, let us pray that our hearts may become attuned to God's goodness and love in our world. May we not fall prey to the trap of wealth, thinking that God favors us above others. May we not fall prey to the trap of poverty, thinking that God has abandoned us. God loves and desires the salvation of all people. Lord, give us eyes to see your love and goodness working in our lives, both in the good times and in the bad. Jesus, we trust in you.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.