5 Aug
Sun
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Qoh.1:2
2:21-23
Ps. 89:3-4,5-6,12-13, 14,17
Col. 3:1-5,9-11
Lk. 12:13-21
(Ps Wk II)
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Yesterday someone asked me if luxury is a sin. Is it a sin, for example, to indulge in Haagen-Dazs ice cream when you know that, at that very moment, someone somewhere is probably starving? I don't know. But in this materialistic and consumeristic society of ours today, it is important to attend to what our readings are telling us today. Be on your guard against avarice of any kind, says Jesus, for a man's life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs. The security for which we all yearn cannot be bought or accumulated the way one accumulates money in a bank. It can only be found when we set our hearts on God, when we look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is¡K And having one's heart in the right place is often expressed through a life spent in loving service rather than in selfish indulgence. The former brings true fulfillment even as the latter is vain and leads ultimately to disappointment. Is it ok, then, occasionally to indulge in expensive ice-cream? Again, I don't know for sure. Perhaps we need first to ask ourselves what we are looking for and where we are looking for it



Lord, let Your ways be my luxury.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all those who are going through moments of inner difficulty and trial may find in Christ the light and support which leads them to discover authentic happiness.
Elaboration

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