Click here for today’s Scripture readings.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
Matthew 23:27-32
Visitors to the Sainte Chapelle in the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris marvel at its exquisite beauty. Yet more beautiful still is the devotion and generous spirit which led its royal patron to construct this shrine to the Passion of the Lord. King Louis IX of France was a teenage king. A decade later his devotion to Christ led him to honor the relic of the crown of thorns and other relics associated with the death of Jesus.
But Louis was not satisfied merely to provide some kind of exquisite gold case to sit on a shelf. Instead, he fashioned a chapel which encircles those who visit with a profound sense of the sacred, not unlike Moses in the presence of the burning bush. Even garrulous modern-day tourists of every persuasion fall into silence when they enter.
Louis knew that the Gospels are stern when they pass on the admonitions of Jesus about the danger of riches. Being born into royal wealth could have spelled big trouble for Louis. Yet, we honor him today as a rich young man who heard Christ’s admonition to come and follow by using his wealth to benefit the poor.
Most of us do not have to worry too much about the baggage on our “camels” that could keep billionaires from getting “through the eye of the needle.” In Gospel terms, sharing with the poor is the medicine for those who are afflicted with wealth. We may not have a lot of money, but we are rich in so many other ways with innate talent, education, health, the support of friends and Catholic faith. How will I share my wealth today?
Father Paul Zilonka, C.P. is Director of Formation for the Passionist Community in Chicago, Illinois.
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