Riches and wealth

In a time of economic and financial distress, these words from today’s first reading (Isaiah 60:1-6) leaps off the page with powerful attraction and hopefulness.

The riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.

“Wow, give me some of that,” we might say.

This prophecy, of course, is addressed to Jerusalem – not as a municipality, but as the center and summit of the worship of God.

What this prophecy reminds us is that all of the things of this world – all of its riches and wealth – ultimately belong to God.

Likewise, each of us, rich or poor or muddling through, need to align ourselves and all we have with the will and the glory of God.