Isaiah 58: 9b-14, Psalm 86: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, Luke 5: 27-32
What if Jesus came to me as he did to Levi and said, “Follow me.” What would I do? Could I get up and leave everything to follow him? Could I leave all that I have worked for to follow him? Could I give up everyTHING – my career, my home, all that I have worked for – to follow Jesus?
It is so easy today to get wrapped up into material fortune and lose sight of all the riches, the spiritual fortune, we have in following Jesus’ way. It is difficult to try not to get lost in material possessions that seem to play so much a part in today’s society. Even in the workforce, representing and advocating for a client’s interest, I face that constant struggle and battle which always seems to revolve around money. Whether the argument is not enough or too much, the evil turns itself on money.
The struggle between material and spiritual fortune presents itself on a daily basis. No matter what career path you are in, whether it’s working in the business world or working in the trades, oftentimes, the focus of all decisions rest on the “bottom line.” A focus on money, possessions or material things can drain you spiritually.
In Psalm 86, David prays, “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” When immersed in the battles of the material world, I need to take that struggle and seek out God’s help. Prayer, reflection and humbly asking God’s guidance strengthen me to overcome that conflict between spiritual and material needs. I need to turn to God for strength. God has given me many talents, blessings and gifts. It is with these gifts, skills and knowledge that I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, am called to help those who are less fortunate or in need.
John Cichon, married to Kim, father to Paul and Kathryn, Attorney
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