Beloved in Christ,
Jesus teaches us a valuable life economics: "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions" (Lk 12:14). Jesus never condemns material possessions but warns us not to turn them into idols, and not to be possessed by them. We must approach material possessions with detachment because they are like breath that soon disappears after they come to life. Riches are temporary goods, holding on to them with all our being is vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Eccl. 1:2).
The rich man in this Sunday's parable idolizes his wealth. He sees only himself as the author of his riches and defines himself by them. He places his trust in his riches and looks to them to sustain his life and soul. He stores up treasure for himself and leaves out God. The rich man places his trust wrongly in material things that will vanish someday. Instead, Jesus teaches, he should store up treasures in heaven by being "rich in what matters to God" (Lk 12:21). The heavenly treasures are infinite and eternal matters. They are the key to infinite and immortal joy and peace in Christ.
As Christians, St. Paul says, we should "seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth" (Col. 3 1-2). We should center our love on Christ and heavenly matters that endure. If we place our love and attachment on riches and wealth, we turn them into idols. St. Augustine was right when he said we become what we love. If our life is attached and focused on the blind and inordinate pursuit of material things and pleasure at the detriment of heavenly joy, we will become miserable and unfulfilled.
If we want to have infinite and lasting joy and peace, we must be detached from love and greed for material possessions and instead strive to become rich in what matters to God. How do we go about this? Our mind and body must be attuned or aligned to heavenly matters. We find this enduring heavenly wealth in the spiritual wealth of Christ and his Church: from prayers, meditation, acts of charity, devotion to the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. We must seek the help and guidance of spiritual directors and the teachings of the Church of Christ. We must seek to practice theological and cardinal virtues of faith, justice, prudence, hope, temperance, fortitude, and charity. Growing in spiritual wealth is what matters to God, and they are the right way to store up treasure.
August is here! It is a "holy'' month with opportunities to store up treasures of eternal values. For example, every day of this week, the church celebrates amazing saints and mysteries of faith. Summer time is a good time to attend the parish's monthly Eucharistic adoration with your family. I invite you to attend daily masses and Eucharistic adoration.
We had a mass and reception in honor of Dr. Linda Itzoe last Sunday. It was a joyful occasion. She was overwhelmed and happy. I want to express gratitude to those who came to honor such a remarkable life of sacrificial service to Christ and his Church. Thanks for your gifts and presence; she appreciates you all. I thank those who spearheaded the event, from the Choir to those who planned the reception. Thanks to all of you. May we all be inspired by the exemplary life of service to Christ and his Church, as exemplified by Linda Itzoe.
In Christ,
Fr. Alayode, OP
Jesus teaches us a valuable life economics: "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions" (Lk 12:14). Jesus never condemns material possessions but warns us not to turn them into idols, and not to be possessed by them. We must approach material possessions with detachment because they are like breath that soon disappears after they come to life. Riches are temporary goods, holding on to them with all our being is vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Eccl. 1:2).
The rich man in this Sunday's parable idolizes his wealth. He sees only himself as the author of his riches and defines himself by them. He places his trust in his riches and looks to them to sustain his life and soul. He stores up treasure for himself and leaves out God. The rich man places his trust wrongly in material things that will vanish someday. Instead, Jesus teaches, he should store up treasures in heaven by being "rich in what matters to God" (Lk 12:21). The heavenly treasures are infinite and eternal matters. They are the key to infinite and immortal joy and peace in Christ.
As Christians, St. Paul says, we should "seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth" (Col. 3 1-2). We should center our love on Christ and heavenly matters that endure. If we place our love and attachment on riches and wealth, we turn them into idols. St. Augustine was right when he said we become what we love. If our life is attached and focused on the blind and inordinate pursuit of material things and pleasure at the detriment of heavenly joy, we will become miserable and unfulfilled.
If we want to have infinite and lasting joy and peace, we must be detached from love and greed for material possessions and instead strive to become rich in what matters to God. How do we go about this? Our mind and body must be attuned or aligned to heavenly matters. We find this enduring heavenly wealth in the spiritual wealth of Christ and his Church: from prayers, meditation, acts of charity, devotion to the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. We must seek the help and guidance of spiritual directors and the teachings of the Church of Christ. We must seek to practice theological and cardinal virtues of faith, justice, prudence, hope, temperance, fortitude, and charity. Growing in spiritual wealth is what matters to God, and they are the right way to store up treasure.
August is here! It is a "holy'' month with opportunities to store up treasures of eternal values. For example, every day of this week, the church celebrates amazing saints and mysteries of faith. Summer time is a good time to attend the parish's monthly Eucharistic adoration with your family. I invite you to attend daily masses and Eucharistic adoration.
We had a mass and reception in honor of Dr. Linda Itzoe last Sunday. It was a joyful occasion. She was overwhelmed and happy. I want to express gratitude to those who came to honor such a remarkable life of sacrificial service to Christ and his Church. Thanks for your gifts and presence; she appreciates you all. I thank those who spearheaded the event, from the Choir to those who planned the reception. Thanks to all of you. May we all be inspired by the exemplary life of service to Christ and his Church, as exemplified by Linda Itzoe.
In Christ,
Fr. Alayode, OP
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