Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we gather under the grace of God, reflecting on the profound and timeless message presented to us in the readings from Ephesians and the Gospel of Luke. These texts challenge us to reconsider our lives and the paths we follow, inviting us into a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live according to the Spirit, rather than the fleeting ways of the world.
St. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Ephesians about the condition of our hearts before we encountered God’s grace. He speaks of being "dead in our transgressions and sins," living in the desires of the flesh and following the ways of this world. How easily we can slip into this mindset! Our society constantly bombards us with messages that equate success with wealth, equate happiness with accumulation, and promote the belief that life's value lies in what we own. This is the "age of this world," a world that tells us the answers to our deepest longings can be found through possessions and indulgence.
Yet, Paul offers us hope. He declares that “God, who is rich in mercy,” has given us new life through Christ.
This grace is transformative as it elevates us, raises us up through the grace of strength that comes from Jesus, and offers a clear call to discernment concerning what we pursue in this life. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” By the grace sent from the Father, we are invited to leave behind the empty pursuits of the world and to become "his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works." This is where our true identity and purpose reside—not in what we can gather, but in who we are called to be.
In the Gospel, Jesus directly confronts the human impulse of greed with the parable of the rich man who, overwhelmed by his abundance, makes plans for more storage and comfort. In his shortsightedness, he forgets the fragility of life. God calls him a fool because he has stored up treasures for himself without being "rich in what matters to God." This shift of focus is critical. Jesus is not dismissing wealth outright but is urging us to evaluate its significance and our relationship with it. Is our pursuit of wealth leading us closer to God and to the good works He has prepared for us, or is it leading us away from our true purpose?
As we reflect on these lessons, let us ask ourselves: Are we allowing ourselves to be consumed by the pursuits of this world? Are we letting societal pressures dictate our choices and values? Or are we living as people transformed by grace, embodying a spirituality that prioritizes deeper connections, service to others, and a life rich in faith, hope, and love?
The pursuit of material wealth can be an illusion, promising security and fulfillment but often leading to emptiness and discontent. When we place our trust in possessions rather than in God, we risk becoming prisoners of our own desires. However, as St. Paul reminds us, God’s grace liberates us from this bondage. It invites us into a life overflowing with purpose and richness beyond material gain.
So, how do we cultivate a life of purpose in the Spirit? It begins with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, and it needs to be used to bring light into the world. We are called to generosity, to share our blessings, and to be stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, not merely for our own comfort but for the upliftment of others. In this way we please him by our deeds, and show we truly love him. May you be blessed as you continue your journey so that you may sow and reap abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God. Never worry, for it is then, after we seek first his Kingdom, that all things necessary will be added unto us. Most Holy Mother Mary, Queen of Goodness and True Faith, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
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