The love for money is the root of all evils

1 Tim. 6:2-12, Lk. 8:1-3. In today's first reading, Paul encourages Timothy of the need to pay attention to authentic teaching as regards to the false teachings and guidance from those who had promoted their distorted ideas. In the earliest days of the Church, the seeds of divisions and dissensions placed by the devil and his forces, in trying to destroy the Church and the faithful people of God. Paul spoke of how there were those who pursued their own agenda and promoted their own flawed ideas that did not have the fullness of truth or Divine inspiration as the Lord’s disciples, the Apostles and their fellow co-workers had received. They instead caused divisions for their worldly pursuit, masquerading as a teacher of the faith while being the agent of the evil one, who used them to spread these divisions and strike at the most vulnerable among the Lord’s flock.

Hence, Paul through his words reminds us that we have to be vigilant against all those that sowed dissension and divisions among us and all those who sought to have personal gains over that of the people of God. All of us should be careful and do not easily allow the devil to have his way over us. We must remain true to our faith and understand what we believe in so that we will not be swayed by those false teachings and ideas. It is also a reminder for us that we should not be tempted by worldly desires and end up corrupting others for the sake of our own personal glory. Today, we are called to remember the commitment which all of us are called to make as the disciples and followers of the Lord. Looking upon the examples that the Holy Apostles and disciples of the Lord had shown, we can see how they had given their all in serving the Lord, in preaching the truth of God and in delivering His love to all, even at times disregarding their own safety and comfort. Today’s Gospel provides us with the summary of the Lord’s ministry and gives women an honoured place in this peaceful scene. The names of some prominent women in the circle around Jesus were mentioned, noting that Johanna was the wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza. The disciples around Him, including the apostles and a group of apostolic women, impress us with their serene harmony of life. They are models of how Christian community should be lived. Some of this group had been cured of illness or physical handicap. The seven devils purged from Mary Magdalene do not necessarily mean sinfulness, much less demonic possession, but suggest a deep change in her life.

May the Lord create through us a new world where injustice and destruction will give way to growth, freedom and hope! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!