Rich in What Matters to God
A Message from the Pastor – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 12:13–21)
Dear Parish Family,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus offers us a clear and thoughtful reminder: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist in possessions.” Luke 12:15
Greed quietly deceives us. It suggests that our worth lies in what we own, achieve, or display. But Christ reminds us that our identity is not in our possessions—but in the depth of our relationship with Him.
A Living Witness: Steubenville Youth Conference
From July 18–20, I had the blessing of attending the Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio alongside thousands of teenagers from across the country. What I witnessed filled my heart with hope and joy:
· Over 2,000 youth gathered in faith, full of life and love for Jesus.
· Long lines for Confession— that lasted until 11:30 p.m., with teens racing—showed hearts thirsting for God’s mercy.
· During Eucharistic Adoration, many wept—not from sorrow, but from being overwhelmed by the love of Christ.
· Many responded “Yes” to discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
· Some participants were not even Catholic, yet shared powerful testimonies of encountering Jesus—so profound that the crowd rose to give them a standing ovation.
One worship song especially struck my heart:
“My heart is an open space
For You to come and have Your way
I am open, I am open……. Do whatever You want to do,
Say whatever You want to say,
Move whatever You want to move,
Change whatever You want to change.”
It challenged me to ask: How hungry am I for Jesus? Have I allowed the comfort of possessions to numb my need for God?
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
The man in the Gospel who built bigger barns thought he was secure. But God called him a fool—not because he was rich, but because he was not rich in what matters to God (Luke 12:21). As a parish, may we strive to be rich—not in things—but in faith, mercy, love, and trust in Christ. Let our hearts be open spaces where God can dwell and work.