18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Prayer
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Inspire our hearts with Wisdom. Fill our hearts with love. Fashion our hearts for Mercy. Conform our hearts to yours. Amen.
Commentary
1st Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
You are invited to give your heart a six- week retreat. We begin our retreat with a passage from Ecclesiastes found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Qoheleth means “assembler’ or “collector of data.” Gathering data from what can be observed here on earth, the writer come to a
conclusion that — compared to death — “all things are vanity.” Whether we are wise or foolish, rich or poor, strong or weak, we will all reach the same fate. Death is the great equalizer.
If this letter appears to be depressing, it was probably written during a time of great depression for the Jews. They had lost their homeland and they were wandering aimlessly, trying to figure out what God had in store for them. Ecclesiastes encourages the reader to seek wisdom rather than folly; even as they wonder what plan God has for them. Certainly, God does not want his people to rely on the things of this earth. The point is not to place all of our hope in this passing world. Our heart must be on something greater.
Question:
How have you been overly concerned about the things of this earth? Are you addicted to television, news, politics, etc.?
2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Saint Paul challenges the Colossians to think of “what is not of what is on earth.” Unlike the somber tone in Ecclesiastes – where death is the great equalizer and all things are vanity, St. Paul offers his audience a reason to hope in what lies beyond death. He writes, “If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.”
His call to hope in what is above comes with a challenge. Since – as Qoheleth says in Ecclesiastes – all “earthy” things are vanity, Paul says to put to death all earthly things: “immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed that is idolatry.”
Christians believe in life after death. Therefore, we must heed Paul’s command to “stop lying.” A Christian heart that lives for this world alone does not abide in truth. We have put on Christ (our new self) and have put to death the old self.
Question:
How are you putting to death immorality, impurity, passion,
evil desire and greed?
Gospel: Luke 12:31-21
Greed is a vice that invades the Christian heart. Most people do not set out to be greedy. Generally, greed is born out of a sense of insecurity which can strike the heart at any time. Insecurity – and greed – is common to both rich and poor. It does not belong to the wealthy only.
Consider the fact that Jesus spoke primarily to those on a lower economic level. It is to them that he says, “Take care to guard against all greed.”
Offering his audience a parable about the foolish rich man, Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures here on earth. Instead, he invites his disciples to acquire for themselves “what matters to God.”
The Christian heart can easily be divided; especially when we are confronted with financial insecurity, health related issues, separation, or the death of a loved one. A strong Christian heart takes into account these human setbacks. However, such a heart is not troubled when it believes in a Lord who conquers all insecurities.
Question:
What spiritual practices should you employ to guard
yourself from insecurity and greed?
This Week’s Task
Take time this week to strengthen your spiritual heart:
1) Fill your heart with wisdom through a daily meditation on some scripture.
2) Bless your heart with time spent in silence with God.
3) Mobilize your heart with an act of mercy.
Group Prayer
The group offers the following prayer by St. Margaret Mary
Alacoque:
O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…… (here name your request)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my
trust in you.
Psalm
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday,
now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!