The Value of Things

 

It is difficult to rise beyond things until we can discern their values.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, November 27th, 2023
Texts: Daniel 1:1-6.8-20; Canticle Daniel 3:52-56; Luke 21:1-4 

Today’s readings question our sense of discernment. They teach us to learn how to discern the value of things. Daniel was able to discern the value of the sumptuous meal and wine from the king’s table. He knew the value is not in the taste or sumptuousness; it was in keeping them healthy and good looking. The eunuch also knew the value of the meal. He says, "I fear lest my lord the king, who appointed your food and your drink, should see hat you were in poorer condition than the youths who are of your own age.” 

When they got the value of the sumptuous meal by eating vegetables, they saved themselves from defilement. Sunny Ade tells us in a song that it is right to return home when we meet honour while looking for money. He tells us that after getting the money it is honour we will still use it to buy. This means it is a waste of time and energy to look for money when we have honour. The widow of today’s gospel reading gave all she had to get what has more value than money. To have God is to have everything. Even to die in God is to have fullness of life, the eternal life. 

Money cannot buy joy and peace of mind

Some of us who are complaining of money even have what money could not get. Can we look deeply into our lives to see that we have what is more than value of money! Do we have to complain of money when we have good health that money cannot buy? What about joy and peace of mind! Should one who has it still complain of money? Money cannot buy joy and peace of mind. It can only buy pleasure and excitement.  

Until we are able to discern the value of things, we will be far from living a meaningful life. We will not be able to make the right choice. Inability to discern the value of things reduce man to the level of animal. It is difficult to rise beyond things until we can discern their values. Ability to discern value of things prevent us from attachment, consumerism, materialism and to transcend them. The value will be our concern rather than the thing in question. Taking clothes for instance, protection from cold and nakedness will be our concern rather than clothes. 

Prayer 

Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord, that, striving more eagerly to bring your divine work to fruitful completion, they may receive in greater measure the healing remedies your kindness bestows. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke