We have read the fine print that came with the medication. We have witnessed the commercials. The side effects of the product can be mild or serious. Perhaps we have even changed our minds about how sick we felt based on our perception of the risks! Although greed is not necessarily a medication, it does come with its own side effects. One of those potential adverse reactions is blurred vision, or even blindness. Let us consider these thoughts today:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Jesus
This idea is sandwiched between statements Jesus makes about treasure (think money and other possessions). Our immense desire for stuff (and the means to get it) can affect every other aspect of life. Jesus warns His audience about the dangers of greed and encourages them with the promise of a providing parent.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Paul
Reflection
- Has greed you ever blinded you during a decision you had to make? If so, how did things turn out?
- What do you think makes the eyes “unhealthy”?
- What do you think makes the eyes “healthy” and the whole body “full of light”?
- How does one escape the “darkness” of greed?
- How can greed ultimately affect a person’s faith?
- What is the most important thing you could ever gain?
- What is the most important thing you could ever lose?
Food for Thought 