1 Timothy 6: 2-12; Psalm 49; Luke 8: 1-3
When the Pastor writes: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these”, how does that challenge the bishops to whom he writes in the name of Timothy, and each one of us? “Those who want to be rich…” will be “plunged into ruin and destruction.” Baptizo means to be plunged into Christ. The psalm continues the theme of those who are blessed (sharing the life of God): the poor in spirit. The psalmist assures us that no wealth can ransom our lives, “there is no price one can give to God for it.” The gospel highlights “some women” disciples, some who were rich but shared their wealth with Jesus and the disciples. Mary of Magdala is included. Mary is NOT the woman in Luke 7, which passaged was preempted by the feast of the Cross and Mother, the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. That woman is unnamed. Mary is named as one exorcised of demons, one from the town of Magdala in Galilee, far from Bethany where another friend of Jesus lived with Martha (Luke 10). Only Luke mentions these women.
Into what are you plunged? Making money, worry about your children, an abusive relationship, success in school or business, the desire to be liked? What/who can ransom your life from all the cares that clutch at it? What do you need Jesus to cast out of your life, your attitudes, your heart? Talk about it with him. Ask him to set you free.
“If we make your word our home, we will know the truth…and the truth will set us free.” Set us free, please, Jesus. Show us our dependency on you and our gracious God.