18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21 NLT – the measure of life

Reading: Luke 12:13-21 NLT

Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

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Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – May I live as a wise person… valuing my relationship with you over my comfort and security. All that I have is on loan from you. May I use it to further your Kingdom purposes. And may I live each day with the end in mind… standing before you… face to face… knowing and being known. For your name’s sake. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”