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.”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus encounters a dispute over inheritance, leading Him to address the dangers of greed and the importance of eternal riches.
Key Principles:
1. Rejecting Worldly Judgment (vv. 13-14)
- Jesus refuses to mediate earthly disputes
- Focus on heavenly priorities
1. The Dangers of Greed (v. 15)
- Greed consumes and corrupts
- True life is not found in possessions
1. The Parable of the Rich Fool (vv. 16-20)
- Self-sufficiency and pride
- Ignoring God's sovereignty
- Sudden loss of life and legacy
1. Eternal Investment (v. 21)
- Store up treasures in heaven
- Be rich in what matters to God
Implications for Us:
- Evaluate priorities: earthly or eternal?
- Recognize the emptiness of material wealth
- Invest in heavenly treasures through faith and obedience
- Live with awareness of life's brevity and uncertainty
Conclusion:
May we invest in eternal riches.
Reflection Questions:
1. What consumes your thoughts and energies?
2. How do you prioritize eternal treasures?
3. What legacy will you leave?
Action Steps:
- Evaluate priorities and simplify life
- Engage in generosity and charitable giving
- Study biblical teachings on stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
- Seek accountability from fellow believers.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, free us from greed and its destructive power. May we store up treasures in heaven.
We pray for:
Wisdom to prioritize eternal riches.
Courage to let go of earthly obsessions.
Faith to trust in Your sovereignty.
Gratitude for Your provision and blessings.
Guidance to invest in heavenly treasures.
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need.
Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the LORD?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.
May these prayers guide you in investing in eternal riches.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ