29th Week in OT 2019 - Monday - Faith or Greed

Our two readings provide a stark contrast this morning. On one hand, St. Paul enjoins us to imitate the faith of Abraham. When he and his wife Sarah were late into their 80s, God promised this barren couple an abundance of offspring, their descendants would be as numerous as the stars. And long after most people are hoping to be well into their retirement, God sends them on a journey of trust, far from home, to the promised land. Despite their barrenness, despite their old age and infirmity, despite having no idea where God would lead them.

St. Paul says today that Abraham glorified God and was fully convinced in the promises of God. This is why Abraham is a perennial model of faith for us. Abraham trusts that God will bring new life where barrenness seemed to reign, supernatural strength in the face of seemingly physical limitation. St. Paul pleads with the Roman Christians, and all of us, to trust in God’s goodness and promises and to praise God even in the midst of trial.

Contrast the faith of Abraham with the greed of the rich fool in the Gospel. The rich fool thinks only in terms of financial well-being, he lives a sort of Godless existence. Money is his God, earthly treasure is his life’s pursuit. He does not consider his eternal welfare, for he lives only for a safe, secure, earthly existence.

“Take care”, Our Lord teaches, “to guard against all greed, for life consists of more than possessions.” Life, right living, righteousness, involves being oriented not simply to the accumulation and protection of physical goods, but allowing God to lead us to what is spiritually good. Not simply storing things and possessions up at home, but allowing God to lead us beyond the walls of comfort, to undiscovered countries, allow God to breath new life in places where barrenness reigned supreme.

Lots of souls out there, living only for the earthly, devoid of faith, unaware of God inviting them to something more. May God speak to them through our lives, through our righteousness, through our radical trust and faith amidst trials for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102119.cfm

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For courage to preach the Gospel in season and out, for the sanctification of the clergy, and the flowering of spiritual gifts amongst the laity.

That our civil representatives may use their authority to lead and build our nation in godly ways, for the protection of the unborn and religious freedom.

For all those who harden their hearts toward God, for those who have left the Church, for all those in serious sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

That young people be inspired to respond generously to God’s call to sanctity, and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster and inclement weather, those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, the imprisoned,  for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.