Updated: July 28, 2026
Money often pushes us toward analysis.
We look at the numbers, run through the possibilities, and try to determine the most responsible next step. As much as those things matter, we have to be reminded that our financial lives also need prayer.
In this special episode of The Catholic Money Show, Jonathan leads a guided Scripture meditation on money using Luke 3:7–18, the proclamation of John the Baptist.
This episode comes directly from Catholic Money Academy and follows a simple Lectio Divina exercise. You are invited to slow down, listen to the Word of God, and consider what the Lord may be asking of you through this passage.
Before You Begin
Find a quiet place where you can listen without rushing.
You may want to have your Bible open to Luke 3:7–18. The passage is read from the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE).
As you listen, pay attention to any word or phrase that catches your attention. You do not need to force an insight or immediately understand why it stands out.
Simply notice it.
That word or phrase may be where the Lord wants to meet you today.
“What Then Shall We Do?”
When the crowds hear John the Baptist calling them to repentance, they respond with a practical question:
“What then shall we do?” — Luke 3:10, RSV-CE
To answer, John speaks directly to how they use what they have, for example, he tells those with extra clothing and food to share with those who have none, and advices tax collectors not to collect more than they are permitted. He tells soldiers not to take from others through violence or false accusation.
Then he tells them:
“Be content with your wages.” — Luke 3:14, RSV-CE
These instructions reach directly into our financial lives.
Repentance is not confined to our thoughts or intentions. It bears fruit in how we earn money, how we treat others, what we keep, and what we are willing to share.
Is Your Financial Life Bearing Good Fruit?
John warns the crowd that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down.
That can be an uncomfortable image, however, it also gives us an opportunity to bring our financial habits honestly before God.
Are the ways you earn, spend, save, and give bearing good fruit?
Perhaps the Lord is inviting you to become more generous. Maybe there is a financial habit that needs to be pruned. You may be holding tightly to something you have been asked to share.
The point of this meditation is not to rush toward guilt or manufacture an answer. It is to become receptive to what God is showing you.
A Simple Lectio Divina for Your Financial Life
Lectio Divina is traditionally practiced through four movements: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting.
Jonathan guides you through each movement in the episode.
1. Read
Listen carefully as Luke 3:7–18 is read.
Notice the word or phrase that stands out to you. Return to it without trying to analyze it immediately.
What caught your attention?
2. Reflect
Consider why that word or phrase may be stirring something within you.
What thoughts, memories, emotions, joys, or sorrows are coming to the surface?
Allow the passage to meet the circumstances of your life as they are right now.
3. Respond
Bring what arose in your reflection into a conversation with God.
Speak honestly. Tell Him what you are thinking and feeling. You do not need to find perfect words or offer a polished prayer.
This is a heart-to-heart conversation with the Lord.
4. Rest
Eventually, the conversation may become quiet.
At that point, let go of the need to keep talking or analyzing. Simply remain in God’s presence and receive His love.
There may be more to say, or there may be nothing left to say. Linger where the Lord is meeting you.
Questions for Reflection
Jonathan offers several questions to help you pray with this passage:
- Which word or phrase is standing out to me?
- What thoughts, feelings, or memories are being stirred up?
- Is my financial life bearing good fruit?
- Where do I need to be pruned?
- How much clothing or food do I have beyond what I need?
- How am I being called to share with someone who has less?
- Am I taking more than what is rightfully mine?
- Am I content with my wages?
- What would John the Baptist think of how I understand and use money?
- What action or change may God be asking me to make?
You do not need to work through every question. Stay with the one that draws your attention.
What Is God Asking You to Do?
Prayer invites a response.
As you finish this guided Scripture meditation on money, consider whether the Lord is asking you to make a concrete change.
It may involve something external, such as giving, apologizing, changing a financial practice, or sharing something you have.
It may also be an interior change: greater contentment, deeper trust, freedom from comparison, or a renewed willingness to let God lead your financial decisions.
Ask Him plainly:
Lord, what are You asking me to do?
Then give yourself time to listen.
Continue Praying With Your Finances
This guided meditation is adapted from one of the Scripture studies available inside Catholic Money Academy.
Academy members receive the Catholic Money Course, live Q&As with Jonathan and Amanda, Scripture studies, and additional resources to help them approach money through the wisdom of the Catholic faith.
Learn more and join Catholic Money Academy at: https://walletwin.com/academy/
