Reflection for October 19 Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 

He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’  

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.”

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Reflection:

Which would we prefer: to possess the treasures of this world or to discover the treasures that come from knowing God? Many of us would probably choose worldly treasures over the spiritual riches that come from knowing Him. Why? Because this is what the world constantly teaches us: to acquire, accumulate, and enjoy material possessions as signs of success and happiness.

But what about choosing God above all else? Perhaps only a few of us would make this choice. We live in a materially centered world that constantly urges us to acquire more possessions, achieve greater success, and do whatever it takes to get ahead. Sadly, in our pursuit of earthly treasures, we can become so preoccupied with what we want to possess that we forget the God who gives meaning to our lives.

But worldly success is not what God ultimately desires for us. He wants us to become His faithful followers, to know Him more deeply, to love Him wholeheartedly, and to serve Him through our love for others. God did not create us merely to live for this world and its temporary pleasures. He created us to know, love, and serve Him so that we may one day be with Him in heaven.

We were created to bear spiritual fruit so that others may come to know God through our words, actions, kindness, and example. Our lives become truly fruitful when we allow God to work through us, especially when we show compassion to those who are suffering, extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us, and share our blessings with those in need.

When our time in this world comes to an end, our earthly possessions, achievements, and positions will no longer matter in the way they once did. What will truly matter is our relationship with God and the love we have shared with His people. No amount of wealth can replace a heart that is at peace with God, and no worldly achievement can compare with the joy of knowing that we have lived our lives according to His will.

A life spent chasing earthly wealth and power while leaving God out of the picture will ultimately leave us spiritually empty. On the other hand, a life centered on God is filled with purpose, peace, and meaning. When we put God first, we begin to understand that our greatest treasure is not what we own but the One who loves us unconditionally and calls us to eternal life with Him.

Therefore, let us examine our hearts and our priorities. There is nothing wrong with working hard, providing for our families, or striving to improve our lives. But we must never allow these pursuits to take God's place in our hearts. Let us use whatever blessings we receive to glorify Him, serve others, and become instruments of His love. After all, the true measure of our lives is not how much we have accumulated but how faithfully we have loved God and our neighbors.

If we were to stand before God today, would our greatest treasure be the wealth and achievements we have accumulated, or the love we have given, the faith we have lived, and the relationship we have nurtured with Him? What must we change in our lives today so that God, and not the treasures of this world, will always be our greatest treasure?— Marino J. Dasmarinas