Luke 12:13-21
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Friends, our gospel reading for today reminds us to shun greed in all its forms. Jesus is warning us that our lives are not made secure by what we own. “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” You know what? When we die, our wealth, our possessions, and our status will not matter. Stay away from greed for it is so destructive. It destroys everything. Pope Francis once said: “When one lives attached to money and power, it is impossible to be happy.” He who is greedy is always in want. “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” 1Timothy 6:9
My dear kababayans, life is not about having things. Life is about knowing God. Building bigger barns to store wealth that we acquire may make us feel secure, but it is a false sense of security. Some say: “If I only had a little more money, I’d be happier.” Let us not be obsessed with getting more of it because:
Money can buy happiness but not joy;
Money can buy food but not appetite;
Money can buy companions but not friends;
Money can buy a house but not a home;
Money can buy medicine but not health;
Money can buy pleasure but not joy;
Money can buy style but not beauty;
Money can buy books but not wisdom;
Money can buy contracts but not trustworthiness;
Money can buy weapons but not peace;
Money can buy votes but not a peaceful country;
Money can buy a Bible but not faith;
Money can buy a beautiful grave but not eternal life.
Money can’t save us; God does. Believing in material salvation is foolishness. Store up treasures in heaven.
Blessings
Fr. Jhack