"Command those who are rich..."

What and how are we laying a foundation for eternal life?

"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." St. Paul to Timothy (I Tim. 6:17-19 NKJV)

Here are a couple reflections on today's epistle reading: 

• Command is a strong word, one that we don't use too often in a pastoral setting. (When was the last time your pastor commanded the rich in your parish to do anything?) Here St. Paul is commanding Timothy to command those with earthly wealth and power. Considering that Timothy was young and timid (adjectives that St. Paul uses), Timothy might have preferred to hear, "If you get around to it, you might want to mention something to the wealthy people in your community." Why the forceful word command? The call to action for the wealthy is not something optional, but something to be taken seriously.
  
  
• Who are "those who are rich in this present age"? Before we wiggle out of the commands by insisting that we're not rich (I'm assuming Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey aren't reading this), it's helpful to remember that about half the world's population lives on $2.50 per day*. If you're reading this on a device with internet access, you probably have access to more funds than most people in the world. You and I are those who are rich in this present age. The commands pertain to me and you. 
  
  
• And now the commands:
  • Don't be haughty. Don't look down on those who have (or appear to have) less resources than we have.
  • Don't trust in uncertain riches. A tornado, fire, war, or economic downturn could take away all of our stuff tomorrow.
  • Trust in the living God, who gives richly. God provides. Lavishly. Do we really believe that?
  • Do good. Let's look for opportunities to use what we have to help others.
  • Be rich in good works. What are the good things that rich people should be doing? Let's start there!
  • Be ready to give. Be prepared. Expect to pass along what we have. What would happen if we saw ourselves of executors of God's will, passing along his inheritance to those in need?
  • Be willing to share. When we see a need, is our first instinct to give or to keep stuff for ourselves?
    
    
• There are two outcomes mentioned for the rich who obey these commands: 
  • A good foundation laid for the future. While financial planning is of some value, our generous acts will prepare us for the time ahead of us. 
  • Laying hold of eternal life. It's all about perspective. We can't take our belongings with us. 

St. Gregory the Theologian sums it all up well: "There is one innate and trusty wealth: to use one’s substance on God and on the poor."  

*www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats