When a person approached Jesus with a request about an inheritance dispute, Jesus did not take on the case. Rather, Jesus took the time to deplore the desire to accumulate more and more material things. We not only spend a lot of money but a lot of time to research and look at the newest clothes, accessories, or technology and to protect and manage our wealth and possessions. Jesus said to "watch out!" and "be on your guard against all kinds of greed." Jesus warns that when we die, we cannot take anything we have with us.

Economics says that we have unlimited wants. When we feel like we are not enough we always want more. What we really need is more valuable than wealth and possessions. We need to know God's love for us and for others. What if instead of purchasing the next thing, we invest in doing good towards others; volunteering, giving, and growing in love towards others. Jesus told the Pharisees who focused so much on outward appearance and purity to give generously to the poor, and everything will be clean (Lk 11:41). We should invest in growing in relationship with our Father God, through experiencing his grace and love in our lives and sharing it with others.


Application: Lord, help me to be rich in your love for me and rich toward all who are suffering. Forgive me for my materialism and help me to practice giving more generously.
One Word: Be rich toward God.