A WORD FOR TODAY 31 JULY 2022

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*BE HEAVENLY MINDED AS YOU JOURNEY IN LIFE*

_"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."(Colossians 3:1-2)_

_*The truth about this life is that it is limited and it is passing away. You live through it and before you know it, you are out of it. We came into it with nothing and we shall also step out of it with nothing. The only thing that will remain and we shall be remembered for when we are gone are the things we did, good or bad.*_

_The first reading of today puts it succinctly, vanity of vanities, all is vanity. We labour and toil, we strive to acquire things, but in the end all turns to nothing. This is what we must reflect upon as go through the readings of today._

_*Life goes beyond the material. There is life after this life and that life is better than what we have here, therefore, do not kill yourself or spend your energy chasing after the material things of this life as if it is all that matters. Go beyond the matterial and seek the heavenly things and you will be happy in the end.*_

_This is the singular reaaon St. Paul admonishes us in the second reading of today to seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. If your mind is fixed on the things of heaven, you will not desire for the things of the flesh, you will not treat people badly or desire evil, you will show love and do good and the good you do will turn to be the reward you will receive on the last day._

_*In the gospel reading, Jesus uses the parable of the rich fool to warn us against greed, avarice and covetousness. The man had wealth, but he was not content with what he had, infact, he desired wealth more than God the creator of wealth and that cost him a lot. He was ready to acquire more than he needed and he never cared a bit about his soul. The cure for greed is contentment, detachment and self control, if you have them, you will never be tied down by the things of this life*_

_Jesus is not condemning hardwork and wealth. Infact, to be lazy and to refuse to work is also evil in itself. They are not evil in themselves, but when your desire to have money and abandon God it becomes evil in itself. When you spend all your life making money and growing rich, but you spend less time to prepare for eternity and become poor in spiritual things, it becomes evil. When you know everything about how to grow in material possessions, party, accessories, cars, politics, fashion, career and so on, but have no knowledge about God and His kingdom, it becomes evil for you._

_*The journey of this present life must come to an end someday and for us to transit to the other life and become happy, we must practise detachment and strive everyday not to allow the things of this life block our mind on seeking God first and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).*_

_To be rich towards God and to store up treasure for ourselves in heaven, we must constantly strive to use what we have as gifts, possessions and talents to do good to others and to impact lives positively and we will counted as great in the sight of the Lord. Therefore, make heaven your goal, work towards it everyday and you will have no regret when the Lord calls you back to Himself._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a beautiful Sunday. May Jesus give you the grace to seek heaven above earth. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23/Psalm 90:3-6,12-14,17/Colossians 3:1-5,9-11/Luke 12:13-21

*Watch-Word:* Share what you have with the needy and the doors of heaven will be opened for you on the last day.

*The choice is yours to make whether heaven or earth, but if you you choose heaven, you must let go of the things of this life.*

(Eighteenth Sunday in the ordinary time. Cycle C)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*