18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word: Disciples of Christ are empowered to build God’s Kingdom.
Theme: We are empowered to build God’s Kingdom as we guard against greed and worldly attachments.
Promise: “When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4)
Reflection:
Jesus strongly warns us of the danger of being materialistic – “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions,” (Lk 12:15). He calls a person foolish when one is pre-occupied with enriching himself beyond what is needed because he lives in a false sense of security. Being anxious about working hard to amass wealth is also vanity (cf. Eccl 1:2). A person who stores up material treasures for himself here on earth cannot bring them with him when he dies.
As we live our life, we endeavor to develop knowledge, skills and talent to succeed and earn a secured future. We strive to pursue success that would enable us to build up material wealth and earthly possessions, as we aspire to enjoy a satisfying and comfortable lifestyle. However, the feeling of being able to afford what we want often leads to an insatiable desire to have more. We are not contented with what we have. Carefree spending and acquiring costly items could become attachments that may be difficult to forego. These could entice us to value worldliness, characterized by pride, selfishness and love of self.
We should be aware that having so much more than what is needed borders on greed especially if excesses are kept unshared. Likewise, we should be on guard from having the scarcity mentality of not having enough to be able to share. It becomes a hindrance in letting go of possessions that we can share because it gives us a feeling of inadequacy.
To be able to overcome greed and worldly attachments, it is necessary to renew our mind and heart. Jesus teaches us – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be given unto you,” (Mt 6:33). We have to be mindful that everything we possess are God-given gifts. The resources and talents we gain are to be utilized in building the kingdom of God. We live not just to enjoy these things, but we gain God’s graces when we generously share them with others. Then the Lord will always “prosper the works of our hands,” (Ps 90:17). Our prosperity will not just be for us, but its purpose is to give glory to God!
St. Paul tells us – “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth,” (Col 3:2). The amount of riches that we now possess does not matter to God. He looks at our heart whenever we share our time, talent and treasure, especially to those who are in need. We must strive to be selfless and be a blessing to others. Blessings are graces which becomes our treasure in heaven. For example, participation in mission, charity works, and spreading the Gospel are fruitful opportunities where we can be instrumental in changing or renewing the lives of others. Rather than be pre-occupied with our concerns, we need to “number our days aright” (Ps 90:12) and be wise in how we spend our life in building God’s kingdom and working for our eternal salvation.
As we share our possessions with others, we also build our relationship with the Lord. Our dedication and faithfulness to dwell on His word, in prayer, worship and service will merit graces that can be loaded up as our treasures in heaven. So that when our life is demanded by our Creator, we know that we are in Christ, and we will gain this promise preached to us by St. Paul: “When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:4).
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us many undeserved blessings. Give us the wisdom to use our gifts, talent and resources to build Your kingdom on earth. By your word, bless us with a loving and generous heart so that we may share these riches with others. Remind us to “put to death” all earthly desires and vanities, and to seek only what is above, for it is our deepest aspiration to be with You in heaven for all eternity. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
- What do I understand about the true value and meaning of my life?
- What are the priorities in my life that hinders me from living a life in Christ? Does my lifestyle reflect spiritual aspirations?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
July 31, 2022 (Sun) – Ecc 1:2;2:21-23/ Ps 90:3-6,12-14,17/ Col 3:1-5,9-11/ Lk 12:13-21
August 1, 2022 (Mon) – Jer 28:1-17/ Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95,102/ Mt 14:13-21
August 2, 2022 (Tue) – Jer 30: 1, 2, 12-15, 18-22/ Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22, 23/ Mt 14:22-36
August 3, 2022 (Wed) – Jer 31:1-7/ Jer 31:10-13/ Mt 15:21-28
August 4, 2022 (Thu) – Jer 31:31-34/ Ps 51:12-15, 18-19 Mt 16:13-23
August 5, 2022 (Fri) – Na 2:1, 3:1-3, 6-7/ Dt 32:35-36, 39, 41/ Mt 16:24-28
August 6, 20122 (Sat) – Dn 7:9-10, 13, 14/ Ps 97:1, 2, 5, 6, 9/ 1Pt 1:16-19/ Lk 9:28b-36
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
