Day 17 – September 17
The First Reading was 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 – and it includes “For the love of money is the root of all evils”.
The common paraphrase of it is “money is the root of all evil” — which, yes, is a major part of the message. But I think “the love of money” really deserves being said too.
Because “Money” itself isn’t bad. After all you do need it for food and clothing (which, as St. Paul says, “If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.”) So rather than implying that it’s the love of money and the desire of/for it that makes/causes evil it would be best to state it clearly. Forget this paraphrasing nonsense where the implication may be lost.
Heaven knows that people these days won’t know or remember the context of the quote. So I think it would be best to be clearer. Especially since “money is the root of all evil” is often said tongue-in-cheek.
But love of money? Well that’s different. Do I love money? Yes. Do I desire to have money? Yes. So I need to recognize this and work on contentment with what I have. Otherwise I risk “falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.” Ouch. Do I love money so much as to sacrifice so much? At risk is eternal life; which money cannot buy (Psalm 49). Am I being shortsighted in my view? I need to “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness” and “compete well for the faith”.
May I love what is right to love and not be blinded by deceitful desires. May I compete well for the faith and not be led astray for the love of money.
Give God Your Yes 