Still thinking about presidential candidate John Edwards’ comments in that recent interview that “Jesus would be appalled at how the United States has ignored the plight of the suffering”.

I’ve heard some point to the story of Jesus telling the rich man to give away everything he had and come follow him (Matthew 19:21-23) as an example of the Jesus’ disdain for wealth and greed in general. Well, it was not – rather, it was an indictment on the rich man’s allegiance to the master he viewed as more important to serve. Being “rich” (whatever that term means) is not, by its very nature, either sinful or a bad thing: I’ve always believed God has given some people the gift of being able to make money hand over fist. (Looking at my credit card bills tonight, that wouldn’t be a bad gift to have!) Rather, it’s what you do with your so-called “riches” (i.e., the gifts God has given you, in whatever manner, shape, or form that takes) that counts, and something we will all be judged on and held accountable for somewhere down the line.

And so, just days away from the start of Holy Week, a few questions for us all to ponder: What are the gifts God has given you? To what purpose are they being used? Who is the master you yourself swear allegiance to?