Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.
St Paul writes: All of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life. (2Cor5:10) Our first reading and gospel give us a reminder to focus on what really matters in life. What are we doing to grow rich in the sight of God? How do we use our time, talent and treasure? St. Paul tells us in our second reading: Keep your minds fixed on things in heaven, not on things here on earth.
The traditional Morning Offering helps to start our day in such a manner. This prayer begins…
“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world…” We begin each day with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. The rich man in today’s gospel did the opposite. He asked himself, “What shall I do… This man did not ask God for guidance, but only himself. On the other hand, we are concerned with the things of God and we bring our questions, problems, challenges to Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as the prayer says.
Jesus invites us to declare our treasure. What do we consider our treasures to be? Do we respond with… our relationship with the Most Holy Trinity, family, our Catholic faith, the gift of the sacraments, our spiritual mother Mary, the gift of eternal life etc.
God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike