So many of us have safety deposit boxes and even safes in our homes where we place all of our valuables to protect them from theft and fire. However, some valuables cannot be protected in that way. One is our faith. Because of Abraham's belief, God put him into the right and proper relationship with Him (Rm 4:6). He pronounced blessings upon him (Rm 4:7-8) and bequeathed to him a legacy of a great land and a multitude of descendants. Still the most valuable treasure to Abraham was his faith.

Abraham could not work out his salvation — he had to believe God's word first, then was he credited with justice (Rm 4:5). Sparrows counted for little among the ancients and yet God knows the price and value of each individual sparrow (Lk 12:6), for everything He created has value in His eyes. Whatever men and women do, God knows what they do and knows the price their activity merits, whether good or bad. True riches can only be found in God and not in man-made activities or values. God, the Creator of all, holds all in the palm of His hand (Rv 1:18, 20). Our values must be centered upon our believing Jesus Christ is Lord, Jesus Christ is the King of kings, Jesus Christ is truly God's Son.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 21, 2005

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