Sunday, October 13, 2024
In his 1974 book, Author Robert M. Pirsig wrote about a South Indian Monkey Trap used by native hunters to capture monkeys. The clever trap is created by slicing a coconut in half, hollowing it, cutting a hole in one half just big enough to fit a monkey’s hand, placing a ripe orange in the other half, and then tying the two halves together. Hunters would hang this trap on a tree with a rope and wait in hiding. Sooner or later, the smell of the orange draws in an unsuspecting monkey looking for a treat. The monkey puts its hand in the small hole of the coconut, grabs hold of the orange, and tries to pull it through, which, of course, is impossible. While struggling to pull the orange through the small hole, the hunters sneak up and throw a net over the monkey to capture it. Note: the monkey freely pursues the fruit and, in the process, loses its freedom; nothing physically prevents the monkey from escaping this trap; all the monkey has to do to free itself is to let go of the orange. Yet the monkey holds on and, in the process, gets trapped.
It does not matter if Mr. Pirsig’s Monkey Trap story is true or a tall tale, for it helps us think of what we value and if our pursuit of what we value would lead us to undesired consequences. Do I seek God’s love and desire to do His will above all else? Do I trust in His promises and provision? Have I embraced the call of discipleship that leads to eternal life? If not, what is the orange I’m holding onto?
In today’s Gospel, a rich man earnestly asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ response saddens the man, for he had “many possessions,” according to the Reading. “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21). Pursuing wealth for financial security, like the monkey not letting go of the orange inside the Monkey Trap, can mislead us into a life of servitude to money, or to work, influence, fame or anything that we prize here on earth. When we are focused on these things, our priorities change, and so do our values. Material things capture our attention, time, and energy. We are led into thinking that if we have enough money, enough things, enough power, and influence, we will be happy. We think these things can bring us financial security and, with them, joy and fulfillment. Is it best for us and our families when material things get our reverence, adoration, and devotion? Is that not idolatry?
“Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus’s life and the lives of the saints are examples of how we should live ours. The Bible warns us against attachment to material wealth, enslavement to possessions, and the pursuit of power, prestige, and status. Instead, God invites us to embrace a life of humility, generosity, and service. Let us reflect on what we esteem in this life and prioritize spiritual over material wealth.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.