The gospel story in Matthew 25 about what to do with gifts of money is quite clear if harsh. You invest it and it multiplies. You hoard it or hide it away, it stays safe yet benefits no one, not even yourself. Whichever way you chose there are consequences. That’s the idea! AND, if you invest and thereby multiply your wealth the “Master” is very pleased with you.
The idea behind this harsh little story is obvious and not obvious. If you think of real money you’ll be frustrated and seek everything from stock market advice, much of it flawed. If you think of “money” as loving kindness you will fare much better.
In what do you invest your heart? Because where your heart is there also will be your money or other gifts. Simply so.
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Today is my youngest son’s birthday #53. I am grateful for his life, his one precious life he almost lost to ulcerative colitis when he was a young man. He had invested his time and energy in making a living, being successful, doing a job well. He was young and did not heed his bodily symptoms carefully enough. He suffered a brush with death. He survived this brush with death thanks to excellent surgical care, the love of his family, countless prayers, and a brush with what I can only call The Light of Christ, offering him a choice—not a sentence, a choice. He chose to live.
When you heed the Great Commandment, basically true in all religions, to love your neighbor as yourself do not forget yourself!
