Appreciate Your 24-Hour Bank Teller
Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
My dear encountered couples:
When things are going well, it is easy to forget about God. At least it is easy for those who really don’t love him in the first place. Some people just use God, you know - like they would use a 24-Hour Bank Teller. Just slide in the card, press the right numbers, and presto — out comes the money. Then walk away without even a thank you and not give the poor money machine another thought until you’re broke again. Do you ever treat God that way?
Jesus is pouring out woes upon the rich, woes upon those who have more than enough to eat, woes upon those who treat life like a big joke never taking anything seriously, and woes upon those who do things just for praise. Jesus has nothing against us being rich or having plenty to eat. I’ll bet he had a great sense of humor and often laughed. And he wants nice things to be said about us. But only when we realize our riches and food are from God, when our laughs are healthful and not at anyone’s expense, and when we are praised for things that make God proud of us.
As I said, the woes are for those who use God as a dispensing machine, who after they get a lot of money, food, high living, and fame, forget the God who made all of it possible. In forgetting God, they assure that when they die and leave it all behind, there will be nothing for them in eternity. Remember the God who has given you the world. Thank him - and fall in love with him.
