The readings this weekend continue in this cycle of readings to remind us of our call as Christians to serve others, specifically those in need. The biggest obstacle is always ourselves. We want to do for ourselves first, and then IF we have something left, we might give a portion.
The reading from St. Paul reminds us to “seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” (Col. 3:1-2) So if we are placing our focus and priorities — how we spend our time and money on what benefits us and our family, (the materialities of this world), and giving the leftovers to God and neighbor, our first reading would have something to say; “For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity.” (Eccl. 2:22-23)
I am edified by the response of our parish to some recent charity outreach. Our Social Concerns Committee participated again in the Olathe Back to School Project which gives each of the 440 known homeless children a $25 gift card to buy something new for the start of school. While we did not reach our goal of collecting $11,000, we have been able to assist 260 youth with the $6,500 collected. In response to last weekend’s Mission appeal, and our speaker Jeri Royce from Esperanca, we have collected $4,400 to help with missions such as the one she represented. Finally, we had a special appeal to help fill the drastically low food pantry at Catholic Charities. Our monthly collection since January has averaged 1,328 pounds of food, and I am happy to say that we have overwhelmingly responded to the need with the recent collection of 3,744 pounds of food! Every little bit helps, and is helping greatly! Thank you to those of you who have given to these charities and others.
Yet, I know we can do more, and we NEED to do more. It saddens me that the majority of our parish members, and that is not an exaggeration, take but do not seem to give. People expect the Church to give to them, but don’t give back or provide some help in return. Our Lord Jesus in the Gospel warns us all to; “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) The parable of the rich man is Jesus reminding us that nothing we build up in this world; no money, no power, no position, no cars, boats or fancy handbags goes with us into eternity. It is not ours, but it is a gift from God and we should not put off until later the call to serve others. Our first response to God for all of our blessings, should be to give thanks and to give back.
“You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12:20)