Rich in What Matters to God

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

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For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.  Ephesians 2:8-10

“But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”  Luke 12:20-21

Piety

“If I could only hold God in my mind.  If I could only always just think of Him.” (Flannery O’Connor, A Prayer Journal, p. 39)

Study

Paul provides us with some very uplifting words – originally meant for the Church in Ephesus and now, by the extension of time, meant for the Church in Virginia. 

Christians of any age are a newly created people in Christ, fashioned by God for a life of goodness.  On the Easter Vigil, new Christians of every race, age, gender, and nationality are born anew in the waters of Baptism to go into the world and build the Kingdom.  Through our renewal of Baptismal promises, we are renewed each year in the sprinkling waters at Mass.  Through dipping our fingers in Holy Water as we enter the sanctuary, we are cleansed and renewed every time we go to Mass or just enter a church to pray or talk with a friend.  We leave fortified with the Bread of Life.  God brought us to life now it is our job to bring his Word to life in the world through our faith.   

Action

May temptations can lead us astray, especially the lure of riches.  To whom will our possessions pass when we pass from this world? 

Pope Francis reminds us: “Let us be realists, but without losing our joy, our boldness, and our hope-filled commitment.  Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary vigor.”

One way to stay strong in missionary vigor is by taking the poverty tour at www.PovertyUSA.org to learn about the effects of poverty in our communities.  Does this give you ideas about how to spread your wealth around?