ALL US VANITY WITHOUT GOD

August 3, 2025 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Luke 12:13–21 “All is vanity.” This haunting phrase from Ecclesiastes echoes loudly in today’s Gospel. The rich man who stored up grain for himself thought he had everything: security, comfort, and success. Yet Jesus calls him a fool, not for being wealthy, but for failing to recognize that his soul did not belong to him. That night, his life would be taken—and all his plans, possessions, and pride would vanish like smoke. His mistake was not in building barns, but in building a life apart from God. Greed is not just about money; it is a condition of the soul that always wants more, even when it already has enough. It blinds the heart, creating a hunger that nothing on earth can satisfy. As Jesus warns, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Greed takes us away from God not just because it makes us selfish, but because it makes us forget who the true Giver is. It replaces trust in Divine Providence with anxiety and control. It makes us live as if this world is all there is, and eternity is just a shadow. Saint Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Real blessings do not rot, rust, or pass away. They are found in the fruit of the Spirit, in love, in mercy, in generosity, and in a heart anchored in God. To be “rich toward God” is to be rich in things that are eternal, not earthly. It is to put to death whatever in us is earthly—greed, selfishness, pride—and to live for what lasts: holiness, charity, and communion with God. CONCLUSION: Friends, remember this: life is not measured by riches. Let go of pir earhly luggage and choose Christ over comfort. Why? Because the death of greed is the birth of grace. Put to death what is earthly in us. The earthly cannot hold the eternal because all is vanity without God. Short prayer: Lord, teach us to recognize that all is vanity without You. Detach us from the treasures that perish, and anchor us in the riches of Your grace. May our lives not be full of barns but full of faith. Help us set our hearts on Heaven, and live each day ready to meet You. Amen. Blessings Fr. Jhack

SAD STORIES OF LIFE

Once upon a time, we dreamed of having more—more money, more success, more comfort. And somehow, we got what we wished for. We now have more possessions than ever, but fewer values to guide us. We own the latest gadgets, drive shiny cars, and decorate our lives with things we once only dreamed of. But deep inside, something is missing. We became so busy chasing wealth that we forgot how to be good. We spend more now than ever before. We swipe cards, book flights, and upgrade our lives with a click. But somehow, we enjoy less. Our joys are short-lived, our celebrations feel hollow, and even the happiest moments are quickly forgotten. We spend more—on clothes, travels, food deliveries, subscriptions—yet we enjoy life less. The laughter doesn’t last long. The excitement fades quickly. The heart remains restless. We serve more food on our tables, yet our bodies are weaker and sicker. We feast but are not nourished. Our diets are full, but our souls are starving. We feast, but still feel empty. We are surrounded by flavor but lacking in fulfillment. Our houses are bigger, brighter, and more stylish—but they are no longer homes. Parents live like roommates. Children retreat into their screens. Doors close, and so do hearts. Families live together, but love is miles apart. Families are near in distance, but far in affection. We earn more. We climb corporate ladders. But our morals decline. Dishonesty is tolerated. Lust is glamorized. Integrity is optional. We trade virtue for convenience, and we call it progress. Yes, these are the sad stories of our life. We thought more meant better. But in gaining the world, we risked losing our souls. Progress is not evil—but progress without purpose leads to emptiness. Comfort is not sinful—but when comfort replaces character, we lose our way. So today, let us pause. Let us choose values over vanity. Meaning over materialism. Faith over fame. And let us remember: the greatest treasures are not found in what we own, but in what we become. Blessings Fr. Jhack