Daily Readings - Sun Aug 04 2019
Ecclesiastes
21For when someone labors in wisdom, and doctrine, and prudence, he leaves behind what he has obtained to one who is idle. So this, too, is emptiness and a great burden22For how can a man benefit from all his labor and affliction of spirit, by which he has been tormented under the sun23All his days have been filled with sorrows and hardships; neither does he rest his mind, even in the night. And is this not emptiness
Colossians
1Therefore, if you have risen together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God2Consider the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth3For you have died, and so your life is hidden with Christ in God4When Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory5Therefore, mortify your body, while it is upon the earth. For because of fornication, impurity, lust, evil desires, and avarice, which are a kind of service to idols9Do not lie to one another. Strip yourselves of the old man, with his deeds10and clothe yourself with the new man, who has been renewed by knowledge, in accord with the image of the One who created him11where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, servant nor free. Instead, Christ is everything, in everyone
Luke
13And someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.14But he said to him, "Man, who has appointed me as judge or arbitrator over you?15So he said to them: "Be cautious and wary of all avarice. For a person’s life is not found in the abundance of the things that he possesses.16Then he spoke to them using a comparison, saying: "The fertile land of a certain wealthy man produced crops17And he thought within himself, saying: ‘What should I do? For I have nowhere to gather together my crops.18And he said: ‘This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones. And into these, I will gather all the things that have been grown for me, as well as my goods19And I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many goods, stored up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be cheerful.20But God said to him: ‘Foolish one, this very night they require your soul of you. To whom, then, will those things belong, which you have prepared?21So it is with him who stores up for himself, and is not wealthy with God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded to reflect on our values and priorities. Ecclesiastes highlights the fleeting nature of earthly endeavors, suggesting that without God, life's efforts are in vain. The author questions the meaning of accumulating wealth and knowledge if they are not used for a higher purpose, emphasizing the emptiness of a life focused solely on earthly gains.
The second reading from Colossians shifts our focus to the heavenly realm. It encourages us to seek what is above, where Christ is, and to live as new creations in Him. This passage calls us to move beyond earthly desires and embrace a life united in Christ, where all divisions fade, and we find our true identity.
In the Gospel, Luke's parable of the rich fool warns against greed and materialism. The rich man's focus on accumulating wealth leads to loss, as his soul is required of him. Jesus teaches that true wealth lies in our relationship with God, urging us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
These readings collectively invite us to reevaluate our priorities. They encourage us to focus on the eternal over the temporal, to live mindfully of God's presence, and to use our resources wisely. Let us remember that true wealth is found in a life dedicated to God, where we cultivate love, compassion, and humility. In doing so, we find lasting fulfillment and purpose.