Do we own our things or do our things own us?

I think many would read the first reading as a story of devotion and steadfast faith commitment, even in the face of threat of being thrown into a fire. I’m sure that is how I have often heard this reading before but today I’m struck by the notion of the golden statue they refused to worship, which is a clear allusion to the Golden Calf, itself a stand-in for the first commandment that there is no god but God and the caution against worshiping golden idols.

What are our modern day golden idols? In the absence of the many gods of Greek mythology, pagan religions, or emperor gods, I think many of us are prone to checking this one off the list as mission accomplished since we don’t worship other gods and certainly not ornate statuary but I think that misses the point. Our modern day false idols are the possessions, status symbols, nice things etc. that we endlessly pursue. In fact, despite continuously pursuing these things we never feel as though we arrive thanks to both lifestyle creep and keeping-up-with-the-Jones’ style comparisons that it begs the question: who really owns whom? With the constant effort required to maintain the trappings of modern day success or trend of the moment do we really even own our things or do they own us?

This connects nicely with the Gospel where Jesus discusses being truly free and his believers ask how they could “become free” if they were already believers and thus presumably already free. Similar to our things (golden idols) owning us Jesus replied by saying “everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin” essentially saying that by choosing sin (aka selfishly choosing or prioritizing the golden statues of the day) those things own us but by choosing God we gain true freedom. The freedom of being as God intended us to be oriented towards relationship with God, each other, and the rest of creation.

I think Jesus is talking about a culture of relinquishment here…. We have to relinquish control and forgo at least some of our personal desires or golden statues so that we can truly be present to God’s Will, which is to be in relationship with God, others, and all of creation. This culture of relinquishment, then, counterintuitively allows us to be more free.

Of course, the golden statues or idols of today are rarely actual golden statues but rather they are status, wealth, luxury, and in general, excess - which by definition is anything exceeding the amount required or necessary. Luxury, ‘the best’, comfortable, etc. is by definition above and beyond necessary and just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Just because we can buy the nicest model, more luxurious option, or additional toy doesn’t mean we should. It is difficult to relinquish but as today’s readings indicate it is essential, but where do we start?

Like someone who decides they want to run a marathon - especially a non runner - you don’t go from the couch to a marathon; instead you start by first intentionally setting the goal and then start walking or maybe a short, light jog. Then over time you gradually increase as your body and daily habits adjust. By doing this you slowly create muscle memory, a routine, and a personal culture that enables and supports your goal of running a marathon. The same is true in our faith life. To be faithful AND to reject the golden statue(s) society upholds we need to intentionally set a goal of pursuing God and then manifest that by creating a culture of relinquishment where we reject the golden statues of our marketing driven, image conscious, modern day world.

Author: Andrew Armstrong, Theology Department