Friends, today we are celebrating the eighteenth Sunday of ordinary time, year C Our Church urges us to remain focused on our quest for heaven. It is a call to live a Christ-centered life. We are encouraged to focus our attention on the heavenly realities more than on the earthly shadows. Today, we are also reminded that we are in a transitory world. Hence, it is a call to make use of the things of this world prudently without losing our ultimate goal. Only when we make heaven our goal that the full meaning of life be revealed and realized. Lord, help us let go of worldly worries and seek Your love above all else. Remind us to live simply, with kindness and trust in You. Guide us to focus on what truly matters and to find joy in your presence each day.
Friends, the first reading of today begins with a warning: “Vanity, vanity, the preacher says vanity…” It strikes a reality that most of us have neglected. However, one day each one of us will come to terms with it. The Preacher calls us to remember God in all we do. He reminds us that there will be an ultimate end to all created things. He also reminds us that the ultimate goal here on earth is to walk our way straight to heaven. This reading challenges us to think about what truly fulfills us. Material success, money, and achievements might seem important, but they are not lasting. They can make us feel good temporarily, but they cannot give us a real purpose. True purpose comes from living for something greater than ourselves. This call from Ecclesiastes teaches us to build our lives around things that last. Loving God, serving others, and acting with kindness are the real riches in life. By letting go of our attachment to worldly success, we open our hearts to what God has in store for us.
Friends, in the second reading, Paul reminds us that when we act with honesty, compassion, and forgiveness, we are living beyond just the present moment. Paul’s message helps us to think about what it means to follow Christ in our daily lives. Living for eternal life does not mean ignoring the present, but rather bringing God’s values into everything we do. We live with faith by being patient, by showing love, and by putting others before ourselves. In this way, we prepare our hearts for eternity. Each day, we have a choice to focus on things that last. By following God’s path, we find that our lives become richer in love and purpose. These actions don’t just affect us; they also inspire and bless others.
Friends, in the gospel of today, the parable teaches that greed can lead us away from God and isolate us from others. Greed makes us focus only on ourselves, which keeps us from truly loving others. When we become consumed by a desire for more, we may lose sight of what God wants for us. Greed pulls us away from the happiness that comes from caring and sharing. Jesus calls us to let go of greed so that we can open our hearts to others and God. The readings for this Sunday encourage us to place our trust in God rather than in material things. By letting go of our desire for more and choosing to live simply, we can find peace. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what we have, but it reminds us that God, not wealth, is our true source of joy. Today, we are reminded that God’s love and purpose offer real fulfillment, far beyond what the world can provide. By seeking God’s kingdom first, we open our lives to lasting peace, joy, and a deep connection with Him. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new month of August ahead of you.
