NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
7th August 2022


We are often so preoccupied and anxious about the things of this world that we forget about pursuing the treasure of the next, "an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy". In working so hard, we fall into another trap of pursuing every little entertainment and escapism to compensate such dedication. All the while, we easily forget about our real purpose and the real relationship we ought to be fostering each day with God our Father who loves us and "is pleased to give you the kingdom". What are the best excuses I use that prevent me from having a deeper committed relationship with God? Do I give as much dedication, money, and time to loving God and serving my neighbour as I do to pursuing entertainments?

Am I convinced God is genuinely "pleased to give you the kingdom", that he loves me and is interested in me? Why don't I always want what God wants for me? What things and activities in my life are emptying me and distracting me from developing a better relationship with Christ? To maintain a healthy spiritual life, we must often reassess our attitudes and change our priorities so as to safeguard our hearts from being swindled and robbed of our true treasure, which is God. Do my priorities and decisions reflect to those around me that Christ is the true love of my heart, my true treasure?

Once upon a time, Satan called an end-of-the-fiscal-year meeting to go over the year's results. He was not pleased, and he demanded to know what new strategies he could employ to guarantee success in moving men's hearts away from their Creator. Sending men distractions in prayer and contemplation came just ahead of tempting men to greed and lust. Infiltrating and corrupting the music industry increased the numbers. Developing the multibillion-dollar pornography industry brought in great results. Yet, Satan was still not satisfied. Then one suggestion was brought to his attention: "We must convince the men of earth that they have a lot of time!" We all tend to think we will continue in this earthly life for many years to come. This may not be the case, for we know not the day or the hour. We must awake from our slumber, for "blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival".

God bless you all.

Fr Jijo George


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died

Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Henry Tilley, Fr David Coghlan, Fr Verity
Thursday: Fr David Papworth
Sunday: Fr Stephen Keane