Sinking in the Mud like the Reluctant Servant, Jeremiah
Where Are You On the Self-Indulgence Scale?
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
Today’s readings call us to ask ourselves: Where do we fall on the self-indulgence scale (1=Not self-indulgent, 5=Moderately self-indulgent, 10=Highly self-indulgent)? Are we always indulging in the good things of life or do we have a generous and sacrificial spirit? Are we somewhere in the middle?
It helps to break down self-indulgence even further by looking at where you fall on that scale by subcategory such as food and drink, clothing, home goods, entertainment, travel, bank accounts, self-care luxuries, and even your spare time. We all have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to indulging and generosity.
Overall, I’m probably in the middle, and on certain subcategories, I’m probably admittedly on the high end of indulging. We can look at those areas of indulging as our red flags, like the rich man in today’s Gospel, areas where God is calling us to live more simply to share more with the poor and take less for ourselves. We who receive the good things of life are called to always share those with others.
So take a good hard look at yourself today and see where God is calling you to be less rich (indulgent) and more poor (generous and self-sacrificing). Then, identify at least 1-3 things you can share with the poor more meaningfully.
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About the Author
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, and certified health and life coach. She volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul Society serving the poor, is an active mentor to many individuals, and a prolific writer. Her writing interests and focus areas include spiritual development, reflections on the Gospel life, Franciscian spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and work/daily living. She is the published author of Called to Corporate: Lessons of Growing in Faith and Holiness from the Corporate Cubicle.
