“Thus it will be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” // Luke 12:21

Stores are always finding reasons for sales. Even if I try to avoid them, the consumption somehow finds me. I’m reminded in my inbox and on social media sites. Then I’m offered complete lists of favorite products categorized into family, home, kitchen, outdoor, fitness, and toys. Somehow I end up feeling a sense of urgency that maybe I’m missing something if I don't partake. 

I convince myself that taking the time to look for deals is important because it will save our family some money in the long run. While there is merit to that, there is also a temptation to add more than what we actually need. 

This happens in our spiritual life too. I can inundate myself with all of the abundant Catholic resources that are available via podcasts, videos, apps, online courses, books, etc. I get immersed in the video of the homily I am watching and then switch to the podcast I was listening to. My intention to pursue holiness becomes a spiritual buffet that is too much for my simplicity-desiring heart. 

In today’s Gospel we see the rich man storing up his bountiful harvest (Luke 12:16-21). But Jesus shows us through His example of self-giving love on the Cross that we aren’t meant to hold on to what we have been given. Our life and everything we are blessed with are gifts to us, meant to be given back to the Father. 

The world will always encourage us to store and continue adding to our carts, but excess counters the goodness of God. Overconsumption leads to a loss of self-control that distracts us from holiness.

Sister, we will be bombarded with deals once again before we even sit down to enjoy our Thanksgiving meals. Will we continue to operate out of a false hunger towards worldly goods each time these sales repeat? Will we commit to more spiritual resources than we could ever read or listen to? Ask the Lord to help you practice obedience to “what matters to God” (Luke 12:21). 

Let’s add items to our cart that will take us Heaven bound.