“‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself
but is not rich in what matters to God.”

Luke 12:20-21

Luke 12:13-21

Reflection

Jesus warns against greed and desire for material wealth in today’s Gospel. His parable tells of a rich man who builds newer and larger barns for his plentiful harvest, thinking he can enjoy all his wealth for years to come. But God tells the man he’ll die that night and all his possessions will amount to nothing; they won’t matter concerning his eternal life.

Jesus tells us that all our possessions and ‘treasure’ will do us no good if we aren’t rich in what matters to God. If we are focused on collecting wealth, friends, good jobs, fun vacations, and lavish lifestyles, but aren’t focused on developing virtues, living a holy life, and following the Lord, then all the things we do have will amount to nothing.

In today’s age, we all have a lot of stuff. This isn’t inherently bad, but we must be careful to not worship the things we own/have and place them above our faith. Besides physical items, we also might find our minds filled with information and knowledge that doesn’t promote a faith-filled and holy life. What possessions do you own that take the place of Jesus at times?

Today, reflect on how you can grow rich in what matters to God. This might mean donating some items you own or committing to praying more often. Ask Jesus to reveal what is holding you back from truly living for him. Jesus wants us to be merry with him in heaven, and for that, we will have to give up our riches in this world.

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Saint of the Day

St. Agatho: died 4th century

St. Agatho was a hermit who lived in the Egyptian desert. He was also an abbot, and would be considered a Desert Father – early Christian hermits who lived in the Egyptian desert and dedicated their lives to God.

St. Agatho, pray for us!