A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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 all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”
REFLECTION: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich,one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
HAPPY PATRON SAINT DAY TO All PRIESTS!!
After nine days of praying, sacrificing and fasting, it is now time to celebrate the feast day of one of PAPA's patron saints--St John Vianney.
St John Vianney labored many hours hearing confessions and converting souls. He lived a very simple life--eating little, sacrificing his time and sleep for lost souls. Many came from across France to have him hear their confession.
Our gospel today tells us of the man who had many possessions. According to St John Vianney, God has given us our own work to do, equipping us with the grace needed to pursue the vocation He has given us. It is okay to have our relations, possessions, health and reputation but all these are second to the love we should have for God. And these we should willingly give up for the sake of God.
St John Vianney had a sense of humor and was always happy and filled with joy. He did all things with great humility. He served only one parish and he was well known internationally for the spiritual transformation that occurred in his village. He loved the Eucharist and celebrated Mass with deep devotion.
Come let us celebrate the feast day of St John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests, by thanking priests for their dedication and love for God.
God Bless You.
