Selected Reflections for the Week 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21 -23
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 90:3-4.5-6. 12- 13.14 and 17 (R. 1)
SECOND READING: Colossians 3:1-5.9-11
GOSPEL READING: Luke 12:13-21
Fabian Dania
The rich man thought to himself
This above expression tells a lot about our attitude towards God and others, especially in the days of abundance and the days of adversity. When we are faced with challenging moments, to where and to whom do we turn? Man was not created to be a loner, rather he was made to live in a community of other men, while seeking God. When we have all we need, do we remember that we are to continue to live with other men and seek God?
When we lack the necessities of life, do we remember as well that we are meant to seek God always?
Our lives must always be communal and heaven bound. It is only in this way that we can store up treasures in heaven.
May God help us to be mindful of those who live around us while we continue to seek God. Amen.
Innocent Benedict Ifeanyichukwu
The 3 readings are telling us to be more concerned and focused about our salvation rather than focusing on the things of this world, which is vanity.
As Christ' aspirants, we should always strive to live like christ and leave a pure and a righteous footprint for people to imitate rather than being greedy and covetous towards any little opportunity given to us be it in our place of work, school, compound, business places even to the extent of doing it in church.
So, the three readings urge us to live a holy and pure life just as our Savior Jesus Christ did.
Rosemary Ibazebo
This remains one of my favorite Psalms, especially verse 12 - ' *Then teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom of heart*'
When we live with the end in view, when we live knowing that it doesn't end here, and that we would account for everything we did in our short life here on earth when compared with life in eternity, then we start to see things from a different perspective. We begin to think about the legacy we want to live behind or to be remembered for. A recent case would be the death of the former president of the country. What legacy did he live behind? Why were people struggling to say good things about him?
Also, when we know how to number our days, some things that would have bothered us normally would seem inconsequential, because we see them as just a passing phase. When we learn to number our days, we don't hold on to grudges, because we don't know what the next second holds. We would, by the grace of God, make every effort to live right by God.
And so, we pray for wisdom and discernment as we continue on our earthly pilgrimage.
Glory to Jesus!
Evang Jeremiah Onwukaobi
Vanity of Vanities: All is vanity!
I've been thinking lately about the essence of life. A friend told me that he's stop attending Church, because, according to him, he has remained poor despite all his prayers, labours and sacrifices; meanwhile some people are stupendously rich and affluent even without work.
My reflection today from the first reading is based on my discussion with him.
Life is a mystery. There are so many things we won't understand while we're still in this flesh. Ambition and aspiration are not bad in itself. Hard work is recommendable but it's evident that success doesn't necessarily depend on it. Just as riches aren't evidence of blessing, poverty isn't a sign of curse or abandonment by God. Life is a mystery, but thank God for death which opens a new vista of hope and reality. Everything and everyone shall pass away someday, but if we remain faithful to Christ, we shall find answers to all our questions and receive reward for all our earthly labor.
Ojo Emmanuel
IF YOU'RE IN CHRIST
A child lives without worry, fear, or anxiety because they’ve come to fully trust that their parents will always take care of everything they need—regardless of the parents' actual abilities or resources.
If you have died and been raised with Christ, then your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Despite this truth, many of us live in fear, constantly anxious about our safety. But if you belong to Christ, this means that anyone who wishes to harm you must first pass through God, then Christ—before even getting to you.
God welcomes our thoughts, plans, and ideas—as long as they align with His divine will and are motivated by love for others. In such cases, He will surely support us.
May God give us the wisdom to always recognize and follow His purpose for our lives. Amen.
Osiegbu Anthony
In the Gospel reading. We are told a parable in which we are reminding about the present world, a world that constantly pushes material success as the mark of a good life, Jesus challenges us to seek a “richness toward God.” That means living with an eternal perspective, using our resources for the good of others, and placing our trust in God, not in what we own. Wealth is not evil in itself; but when it becomes our identity or our god, it blinds us to what really matters. The parable reminds us that life is fragile, and what we treasure reveals where our heart truly lies.
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