Does money Rule me or I rule money?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 26:14-25*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-9a*

*Does money Rule me or I rule money?*

*1) The Power of Money*

Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of blessings. *Carl Sandburg*

Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants. *Benjamin Franklin*

Greed is not a financial issue. It's a heart issue. *Andy Stanley*

Never be a slave to money; be the master of your money. And once you become the master of your money, you will automatically start walking on the path of financial independence.

Be in control of your money. If you are not in full control of your money while dealing with it, then it will control you and you will never be able to achieve financial independence

*2) Money in the hands of Chief Priests*

The money could have used for some good work. But money was used for evil works 

With money power, they tempted Judas and used him for thier selfish goals 

They wanted to eliminate Jesus. To this plan they used Judas, by giving 30 silver coins 

This is the total misuse of money for selfish and immoral purpose 

*3) Money in the Hands of Judas*

Judas was very greedy with regard to money 

The Gospel says, he had the habit  of stealing the money from the common bag which was used to keep the account

His greed for money made him to betray Jesus. He was ready to sell Jesus for 30 pieces of Silver coins 

When people are greedy for money they are ready for anything, even to sell or kill another human being 

*4) The control of Money over Judas*

When people are greedy for money, then money rules over them 

Money becomes the Master and persons become the slaves 

Judas had become the slave to Master, which is money 

Money ordered him to betray Jesus and he did it 

Money promised him the worldly pleasure, that is why he took the path of betraying Jesus 

Money told him, with money one can do anything. So he wanted to have money by all means 

*5) The Rule of Money in life*

When money rules the life of a person, it is money which orders the person what to do and what not to do 

Money controls everything and one has no freedom to do anything 

When money rules ones life, the relationship become superficial, way of life changes, the attitude changes, the greed becomes strong 

*6) The End result of Money*

The life of Judas is the best example

Finally The money which he got by betraying Jesus, could not be used by Him 

Secondly, the life which was controlled by Money witnesses a terrible end. Judas commits suicide

Money also lost and life also lost

Greed for money ends up is losing everything

*7) Who is Ruling My Life?*

Even though Judas was a chosen  disciple of Jesus, money ruled his life 

He didn't give a chance to Jesus to rule his life and gave importance to Money to rule his life 

Who is ruling my life? 

Is it Jesus who rules my life? 

Is it money which is ruling my life? 

Is it I who control the money or money is controlling me?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*