“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Jesus, with these words, is reminding us to be aware of what is truly important in our lives. There is a false premise, reality, or promise that pervades our culture that says if we are comfortable, attain pleasure, power, fame, and/or wealth, we will be happy and fulfilled.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of the above, but if we seek to have any or all as first and foremost, front and center in our lives then we are setting ourselves up for a fall. With God first in our lives, each of these can then be properly ordered, because we are not attached to them or seek to grasp or cling at them, and we can better enjoy their benefits and promote them for God’s glory.

The greater blessing is that even when we have none of the above but instead have developed a deep and intimate relationship with God, we will find fulfillment, joy, and meaning in our lives no matter what the external circumstances and our internal responses will be more at peace.

It is good to assess what is truly important in our lives. What grounds us and helps us to be whole and stable. When our first answer is our willingness to receive the love of God and love him and each other in return, then we are off to a good start to this day and this week.

Photo: View from Sunday night, priceless gift from God. St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL.

Link for the Mass readings for Monday, October 23, 2023