Genesis 13:2, 5-18 / Matthew 7:6, 12-14
It is a known nutrition fact that a well-balanced diet is a means to healthy living.
And equally as important, if not more important than a well-balanced diet is a well-balanced life.
In the gospel, we hear Jesus giving three components of a well-balanced spiritual life.
It is reverence to God, our attitude towards others, and our direction in life.
We give reverence to God by being grateful and giving thanks for His blessings and we must not be like the "dogs and pigs" that Jesus used as a symbol of irreverence and ingratitude.
Our attitude towards others is often mirrored in their attitude towards us. How we treat them will be how they treat us - what goes around comes around.
As for direction in life, it is about taking the road less travelled, the long, narrow and winding road. We need to accept that life is difficult, and when we accept that, then we won't waste time and energy finding for easy ways out.
In the 1st reading, we see how Abram lived out these principles of a balanced life.
He trusted in the Lord; he was generous towards Lot by giving him the first choice over the land; he accepted the challenges and difficulties with faith in God.
So we know what it takes to be healthy and holy. May we pray for the wisdom to live a life that gives glory to God.