What “rich” readings we have today. “Wealth” offered for us! So, let me begin with something that might seem really ridiculous.
Piggy Banks! Ever since I was assigned this day, the words that came to me were just these: Piggy Banks.
When I was a very small child, perhaps 5 years or less, I had a small glass piggy bank. One penny at a time would be saved through the tiny slot, and the only way to retrieve the penny would be to turn it upside down and shake. Patience and perseverance! Refused to break it with a hammer! Why save my pennies? To buy Christmas gifts for my mom and dad, of course! My Uncle Reggie would often contribute to my cause with his grab bag full of pennies. Just about how many do you think this small hand could grab!? But I did, and one by one into my bank.
Was this an early lesson from my parents on the importance of saving up for what was important? How to share and be generous? As I grew up, the piggy bank got larger, with a bigger slot for quarters to be deposited!
I have been thinking about our Gospel for today. There is nothing wrong with saving our resources, especially for important needs or desires. Food, clothing, and shelter, if you are able. Then there are medical expenses, and at some point, one realizes, RETIREMENT!
Saving for what is needed is responsible stewardship. On the other hand, hoarding is not.
For what we have beyond our needs, a little comfort or entertainment is good for body and soul. However, this does not, as Christians, free us, nor society, nor government, from sharing with those who are in need and provide for healthy living. So much suffering in our world, so much hunger, so much homelessness, so much cruelty, so much, etc. I am sure you can add to the list.
In the story of the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Scrooge is warned by the Ghost of Christmas Present to beware of ignorance and want. The boy child represents ignorance with a lack of education and understanding while the girl child is poverty and lack of resources. The Ghost tells Scrooge that unless things are altered by the future, it will lead to doom and suffering for all society. This story was written 182 years ago. It endures.
Jesus is not a ghost. He was a real human person addressing the needs of his time. His story, written more than 2,000 years ago, endures. He is God with us, the living WORD. He presents what is important as he teaches, “take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Scripture gives us riches and wealth to consider how we are living our lives, both in material wealth and spiritual treasure. Catholic Social Teaching and the Beatitudes, Mathew 5: 3-12, are foundational to living our lives as is this one Gospel passage for today.
How much is stored in barns? What’s in the piggy bank? What is an understanding of good stewardship, especially as citizens? What are personal and societal priorities? Ignorance and greed? Love and compassion?
Mutually with the help of God, our creator, we can restore and mend our broken world.
As is written in Romans 4: Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God, and what God had promised he was also able to do. God promises life in abundance!
Blessed be our God!
Glory to You, Source of all being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit!
Now and forever, Amen!
Candice Tucci, OSF
Born in Buffalo, NY, I grew up in a cultural and ethnic diverse environment. My life as a Franciscan Sister has been a profound spiritual journey. Like Francis of Assisi who called himself, “pilgrim and stranger,” this too is a metaphor for my own life.
A trained spiritual director, with a BFA, and MA degree in Religious Studies/Spirituality focusing on the integration of the arts, spirituality and social justice, prepared me to live this Gospel life of prayer and service. First on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and eventually in Tanzania, East Africa. My journey led me to ministry in higher education at various universities. February 2025, I retired from Creighton University after 10 years as Chaplain for the College of Nursing.
Prior to retirement, I was elected to serve on the General Council of my Congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. March, 2025, I moved to Rome, IT where I currently reside. Serving in this leadership role provides incredible opportunities to serve as a woman religious in the Catholic Church at this time in history. Settled in Rome, I am happy and ready to contribute again to Daily Reflections. May we hold each other reverently in this Sacred Space.
