The Parable of My Pantry

October 20, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States]

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 

Reflect on the Word // 

I read the date on the canned food; its “best by” date was in 2023. I tossed it, along with several other cans well past their prime. “What recipe did you buy that for, Mom?” my teens asked. I had no idea anymore. Too often I planned recipes to try, bought the special ingredients, and forgot about my plan, leaving the food unused. 

It was embarrassing, throwing away neglected and expired food. This wasn’t the first time I made the mistake of over-buying or failing to follow through with a recipe, letting food waste away in my pantry. I felt like a fool.

Jesus’ words in today’s parable hit my heart like an arrow: “[T]he things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” (Luke 12:20) The food I purchased had nourished no one. It sat on my shelves for years. Those fancy ingredients and old canned goods were like the treasures the rich man stored for himself. Quite unintentionally, I had become like that foolish man, with “riches” stored only for myself.

I realized I’m no better than the rich man; but I can be. The Lord calls me to be more and offers the grace to change. Regarding my pantry stores, it’s not hard to see how I can work on being “rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21). Feeding the hungry is a corporal work of mercy; feeding my family with the food I buy and donating more often to the local community will glorify God, storing riches in Heaven rather than on my shelves. 

Jesus’ parable about the rich man is a call to action. He desires our generous love, sister. He calls us to love and glorify Him through serving others, performing works of mercy like feeding the hungry, as well as through our prayers. When we live this way, we will be rich in what matters to God. 

Relate to the Lord // Where is the Lord inviting you to be generous today? 

About Gina Fensterer

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Gina Fensterer is a wife of 20 years and mother of six children. She is passionate about finding God in the ordinary moments of her vocation. She loves Adoration, praying with Scripture, long morning walks, and fitness. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Read more by her here.