Jun 18 (Mt 6:24-34)

“Double Negative” is a grammatical construction in which two negative words are used in the same clause, to produce a positive force, usually for some particular rhetorical effect”

Eg: “He did not say nothing”….means… He said something
“There is not nobody who will go”… means.. There is somebody who will go

Of course, in the English language, such usages are not common and also sounds a bit odd.
>> They are even considered as bad speech

But in the Greek language – the language of the New Testament –  the “double negatives” are used to add an extra emphasis

One important and notable scripture verse using this concept of “double negatives” is… Heb 13:5

The verse says:
” Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “NEVER will I LEAVE you, NEVER will I FORSAKE you.”

In the Greek translation of this verse, there are a total of 5 negatives that occurs in this sentence…
… 2 “double negatives” and 1 negative!

Literally translated, it would read, “The Lord will NEVER, NO, NOT EVER, NEVER leave NOR forsake us!”
>> It is one of the strongest negative ways that the Bible says that ” He will be with us forever!”
>> Five negatives with a very positive message!

This is the wonderful truth that God pronounces and promises to each one of us…
… that He is always with us
.. that He would always care for us
… that He would always provide for our sustenance

The Gospel of the Day is this beautiful invitation and reminder by the Lord…
1. To keep our lives free from the love of money and be content with what we have
2. To know that God is with us, always, providing for our all our needs

Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life…” (Mt 6:25)

One of the immediate doubts that could raise in our minds would be:
Was Jesus saying that money is bad?
… Did He mean to say that we must not work hard to earn money, and make our lives comfortable?
… Did He say that it would be sinful if I plan and work for a good future – for me and my family?

Most certainly no!

The Lord is not against money…
… nor is He against working hard and earning money for one’s life
… nor is He opposed to plan for the good of our future and of the ones we care for

>> Laziness is condemned by the Lord… (Mt 25:26)
>> Unplanned ventures are not encouraged by the Lord… (Lk 14: 28)

But yes, the Lord is deadly against money, wealth and treasures taking possession of a person!
>> Jesus is opposed to riches, wealth and money…
… when they become the priorities more than God and His Kingdom
… when they became greater possessions than doing what God wants in life

Instead the Lord wants that we make Him as the Greatest Treasure and Wealth of our life!
>> “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all others things will be added unto you” (Mt 6: 33)

Jesus wants that He becomes our entire possession!
>> He longs that our entire lives be centred on Him!

Towards this endeavour, Jesus promises that “He will be with us”
>> He assures that His Care and His Providence will always take us through…
… Even the birds of the skies are fed
… Even the wild flowers are clothed in splendour
… Even the grass of the field are clothed so very well

It is towards this Trust in His Providence, that the Lord invites each of us.

There was a particular student of the Bible, who one day came excitedly to his old aunt.

He had learnt something new in his Bible class and came to share with her:
“Auntie, you know that verse in Hebrews – Heb 13: 5 – that you so often quote: `I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’
Well, I have found out today that there are five negatives in the Greek there in that verse, and it reads like something like this: `I will never, never, never, never, never leave thee.’ ”

“Oh, you Bible scholar” said the old lady amusingly,  “those five times may be needed for you!
For me, just one of them is enough!!”

The Lord keeps assuring and telling us always, “I am with you… I will care for you!”
>> Let us grow in our trust in Him…
… and seek to make Him as the Wealth, Possession and Treasure of our lives!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

– Fr Jijo Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India

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