Storing Up True Wealth

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9C), July 8, 2007

BCP: Isaiah 66:10-16; Psalm 66 or 66:1-8; Gal. 6:(1-10)14-18; Luke 10:1-12,16-20

RCL: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30 or Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-8; Gal. 6:(1-6) 7-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

We gauge the success (or failure) of our corporate ministries almost exclusively in terms of dollars and cents. A diocese or congregation is only successful, after all, if its current income is more than it was a year ago. Our church leaders usually negotiate remuneration not on the basis of their own needs or of those whom they serve, but on careful comparison to what other leaders are paid. In a nationally publicized story a few months back, a well-paid rector justified a six-figure “extra-salary” income from a parish as bringing the priest’s income to the level paid by congregations “of similar size and importance.”

This Sunday’s readings, at first glance, seem to bless both our cultural and our denominational focus on wealth. The faithful shall “nurse and be satisfied from [Jerusalem’s] consoling breast,” Isaiah promises, “that [they] may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom” (Isaiah 66:11). Further, “For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to [you my faithful people] like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees” (66:12). And regarding clergy remuneration: “the laborer deserves to be paid” (Luke 10:7).

Yet the Savior clearly teaches that there’s a vast difference between “treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal” and “treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20). The former, of course, have no lasting value, but the latter is “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:14b). So what is this true prosperity which the Lord promises faithful followers?

Jesus sends out disciples, saying “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals...,” and “eat what is set before you” (Luke 10:4, 8). Anything more, he suggests, is worthless. Instead, he tells them, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’... [C]ure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (10:5, 9). In other words, we’re called not to put any trust in wealth or possessions. Instead, what matters is our being peacemakers, our being healers to a broken world and a divided church, and our bringing comfort to the wounded and broken people all around us. These are the only stores of value which last forever.

“Nevertheless,” Jesus tells us, “do not rejoice at this, that the spirits [of this age] submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (10:20).

Look It Up

In Matthew 19:16-22, Jesus enjoins a particular individual to get rid of all of his possessions. Why?

Think About It

In what ways might the Church’s fixation on money and property get in the way of our corporate witness and ministry?

Next Sunday

BCP: Deut. 30:9-14; Psalm 25 (or 25:3-9); Col. 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37

RCL: Amos 7:7-17; Psalm 82 or Deut. 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-9; Col. 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37