God is My Security

08-03-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

After an interruption from someone in the crowd, Jesus shifts the focus of His teaching - from not being afraid of persecution to not worrying about provisions for the future.

Jesus makes this point in the Parable of the Rich Fool, found only in the Gospel of Luke. He warns them of the predicament of the rich man and about the danger of greed. When one focuses only on material wealth, it leads to self-absorption. We need to trust God - He will provide. Trust our past to God’s mercy. Trust our present to God’s love and trust our future to God’s providence. The idea of “growing rich” for ourselves is deceptive, as Scripture exposes. So, try or strive to grow rich in the sight of God, which leads to a joyful and peaceful way of life.

After an interruption from someone in the crowd, Jesus shifts the focus of His teaching - from not being afraid of persecution to not worrying about provisions for the future.

Jesus makes this point in the Parable of the Rich Fool, found only in the Gospel of Luke. He warns them of the predicament of the rich man and about the danger of greed. When one focuses only on material wealth, it leads to self-absorption. We need to trust God - He will provide. Trust our past to God’s mercy. Trust our present to God’s love and trust our future to God’s providence. The idea of “growing rich” for ourselves is deceptive, as Scripture exposes. So, try or strive to grow rich in the sight of God, which leads to a joyful and peaceful way of life.

To grow rich or to have the power to store material things is not evil per se. - Being filthy rich is a sin: Did our money come from illegal or dishonest means? - Did we trample other people in growing our wealth? - Being greedy and rich is also a sin. Remember, we are all stewards of God’s creation. The question we need to ask ourselves is: Are we generous, meaning we are not just receivers but sharers? The hands we use to receive must be more than open to give. Generosity liberates, while greed imprisons. We pray that the Lord remind us that what matters most at the end of this life is not what we hold in our hands but what and who we have in our hearts.

The second reading reminds those whose focus and concern is only to grow rich in this world. If Jesus rose from the dead, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. (Col. 3:1)

Worldly possessions are passing; we cannot put our trust in them. Asking a hypothetical question: If everything vanishes from us, will it diminish our value as a person? Personal values are not measured by fat bank accounts, by real estate, or other money portfolios. All material things are vanities, Qoheleth says. The Book of Ecclesiasticus adds that all our struggles, labors, and energetic efforts, in the end, are worthless. The book reminds us that after all the hard work, we leave all of these behind when we die. And many times, those who have not worked for it end up owning it. Thus, the Qoheleth concludes: “All things are vanities.”

Remember, life is a journey to God’s heart. In the journey, there are stops to rest, to nourish ourselves, but then we continue. There will be obstacles, problems, challenges, resistance, and even persecutions; be brave, strong, and persevere. It helps if we travel light by not focusing on the provisions for the journey, for these can become a distraction and make us lose our way. Let us keep the focus on our mission and final destination. We are on the road, we are all on a journey, and HEAVEN is our final destination. “Perhaps all of life is no more than a long preparation for leaving it.” (J. Barnville) When Fr. Gerry Orbos, SVD, encounters the “end of life” theme, he would ask: Do you have an “exit plan”? He suggests that aside from our retirement or memorial plans, how do we plan to exit this life? If Our True security is in God, everything and everyone in this world is false security.