Philippians 4:10-19
Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9
Luke 16:9-15
Most of us have had the experience, or at least have seen pictures of a person straddling between a boat and land and eventually falling into the water. We laugh about it in retrospect. If we instead think of straddling the values of God and those of the world, it is no laughing matter, because our souls and perhaps those of others might be in peril. As today's gospel reminds us, "You cannot serve both God and mammon."
(Luke 16:13)
We have a challenge as Christians, because we are to live in the world in order that we carry on the mission of Christ, but we are not to be of the world, taking on worldly ways and values. They cannot become the "centre" of our world. We do this while keeping in mind that all that God created and creates is good. We treat creation and creatures with respect. The process calls for ongoing discernment and grace. It is not an easy process, but it wasn't for Christ either. It can, however, be a source of inner peace and joy, bringing us closer to Christ each moment.
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
