"No one can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.
Karen Armstrong, in her book, The Great Transformation, describes the beginning of the world's several major religions, from Zorastrianism in the second milllennium before Christ to Islam in the 7th century AD. These several religions, including Buddhist and Tao, agree with the universal principle of Two Ways, good and evil. The wise spend their lives discussing and trying to discern the difference because it's not always obvious.
However, the "Abrahamic" religions-- Jews, Christians, and Muslems -- go a step beyond the Two Ways because they recognize that God created all things and is not subject to any law or principle. God's will determines good and evil. Compliance with God's will is good, noncompliance is evil.
In today's first reading, we learn of Joash, a weak king of Jerusalem who tried to do good but also tried to retain his authority by satisfying his powerful nobles. He failed catastrophically and his kingdom suffered for it. Caught in the dilemma between the God who gave him authority and the men who threatened to depose him, he chose wrongly. It's not an unfamiliar dilemma for anyone, whether king or peon; president or citizen.
Jesus, by his life, death, and resurrection, shows us how our God favors his people despite the many hardships and trials we suffer and endure. His generosity is inexhaustible; we may rely on Him but He demands much of us and will not be taken for granted.
Compromise with evil is never necessary or good. It's inexcusable because...
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?'
or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.