August 4, 2019 Sunday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-C
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21
… prosper the work of our hands for us! Ps. 90:13
“Take care to guard against all greed…one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Lk. 12:15
Lord, we have an expression: “you can’t take it with you.” We all know that none of our possessions or money will be ours after death. When we come home to you, none of the material things we have accumulated in life will come with us. We will stand before you only with what counts in the kingdom of God. Yet we still work our fingers to the bone to make more money, possess more gadgets and push to become as self sufficient as possible. Paul advises today that we “put to death the parts of you that are earthly.” He tells us to focus on “what is above, not of what is on earth.” You have blessed us with so many gifts: unique talents, opportunities to grow in so many ways, and even challenges that make us stronger. Lord, guide me to use wisely all the wonderful blessings you have given me out of love. You indeed call those who chase after things that distract us from following you, “fools.” May strike a balance between the needs of my family and how I can use your blessings in your service and that of my neighbor. Amen.