Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 / Matthew 10:1-7 (2020)
At times we can't help but wonder about wealth and riches. Is it for the better or for the worse?
No doubt, wealth and riches can resolve some of our financial worries and we can even obtain some of the luxuries of life with it.
But wealth and riches, and specifically the obsession for it can lead to many complicated problems for us.
In the 1st reading, we heard that Israel was indeed blessed by God with riches and wealth.
But the problem was that the richer and wealthier Israel became, the more their heart was divided and they became unfaithful and strayed away from God.
Well, Israel (or Samaria) had had its day and destruction will soon follow because of their unrepentance.
In the gospel, we heard that Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and cure all kinds of diseases and sickness.
Then He made a rather strange statement: Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
Figuratively, Jesus could be telling His disciples not to be too taken in by the authority over unclean spirits with the power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sicknesses.
If riches and wealth can divide the heart, then spiritual power can also result in pride and arrogance.
In whatever we have and in whatever we lack, let us always sow integrity and reap a harvest of kindness, and keep seeking the will of the Lord God.
That will be our blessing and the joy of our life.