August 3, 2025 - One Bread, One Body

August 3, Eighteenth Sunday Ordinary Time

Cycle C Readings:
1) Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
2) Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21

Me, Myself, and I

“You have blessings in reserve for years to come.” —Luke 12:19

The rich man in today’s parable stored up grain “for years to come” (Lk 12:19). Joseph, in the Old Testament, likewise stored up grain for years to come (Gn 41:48-49). Why is one man commended in Scripture as a model steward while the other is presented as a warning against greed?

The man in the Gospel parable thought only of growing rich for himself (Lk 12:21). Notice how often this man speaks of himself; in three verses, he uses words which refer to himself ten times (Lk 12:17-19). He planned to become his own provider for the years to come. Not once in the parable does this man think of God or other people. Joseph, however, did not think of himself. He thought of the poor who would need food for years to come. He thought of providing for his own starving family (Gn 45:11), even though they had sold him into slavery in a most cruel manner (Gn 37:18-35). He thought of God’s purpose (Gn 45:5-8) and acted faithfully to fulfill God’s plan.

“Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. After all, you have died!” (Col 3:2-3) If we live for Jesus, we have died to growing rich for ourselves. We are consumed with what is rich in the sight of God (Lk 12:21). If we aren’t living for Jesus, we may be intent on growing rich for ourselves and relying on the things of this world (Lk 12:21; Col 3:2). That is “vanity” (Eccl 1:2). Deny your very self, take up your cross, and follow in Jesus’ footsteps (Lk 9:23).

Prayer: Father, I surrender myself to You. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done” in my every thought and action (Mt 6:10).

Promise: “When Christ our life appears, then you shall appear with Him in glory.” —Col 3:4

Praise: Praise the Risen Jesus, Who is seated at the right hand of the Father and lives forever to intercede for us! (Heb 7:25)

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi,  Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 25, 2024."

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.