Be Rich in What Matters to God

Readings for Sunday, August 4, 2019 — 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • The first reading from Ecclesiastes equates the vanity of a rich man with that of a man who dwells too long on his grief. Why do you think this connection is made? What does it  mean about conflating the vanity of the rich with the attitudes of the poor? Do you see this connection in the world today?
  • The psalmist urges us not to harden our hearts against God. In modern times, how can we consistently keep our faith? How can we see God in our busy lives at work and home? How are people hardening their hearts to God in these times?
  • In the Gospel reading, Jesus urges the crowd not to “store up treasure for themselves” but rather to live a life rich in faith. What did that entail in Jesus’ time as opposed to today? What sort of courage does it take to value faith over possessions in today’s world?