9th Sunday of Luke
Scripture: Luke 12:16-21
When I was a kid, I didn’t like others playing with my toys. If I saw someone getting too close to one, I would quickly crawl over to it first and snatch it up. What if they broke it? What if it was damaged beyond repair?
As I became more protective of my stuff, I became more like the man in today’s gospel message—I was just a hoarder of stuff. Moreover, I was just selfish.
When we become too occupied with our possessions, including money, we end up becoming preoccupied with ourselves. We’re just like the man in today’s gospel who only spoke of himself.
Yet, God hasn’t given us blessings to build up our ego. Instead, God has given us things so that we can use them to build relationships with others.
God has given us food so that we can share a meal with a loved one. God has given us money so that we can be a blessing to someone who may need a helping hand. God has given us health so that we can visit those who need a visit from a friend.
As we build relationships, we also build communion with God. Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, my siblings, you did it to me.” Sharing becomes a part of our path toward theosis, salvation.
As we continue our Stewardship 2024 campaign, ponder how God has blessed you. Consider how you can share your time, talent, and treasure with your brothers and sisters at Twelve Holy Apostles. We offer what we have as a way to build a bond with our church family and as a way to become a blessing to others. Amen.