Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The message of today’s first reading and Gospel are in harmony. They speak of those things that we think are important, and we place great value on

 them. But to our surprise they vanish without a trace and become a  distant memory. Both readings are urging us to focus on the important things in
life. The things that are not fleeting. The things that are not transitory. I would say that we are being urged to live a Christ centered life. A life where
everything we do is anchored in the love of Christ.  We are urged to focus our attention on the  everlasting reality of heaven rather than on earthly
possessions that disappear like a puff of smoke.

 Here’s what I mean.

 Our first reading comes from the book of Ecclesiastes, one of the Wisdom books in the Bible. The writer tells us that because God’s divine plan is
hidden,  it’s easy sometimes to lose our way and become focused on finding happiness in wealth and possessions instead of keeping our eyes
focused on the greatness of what is to come.

 He says, “Vanity of vanity. All things are vanity.” Now, the definition of vanity here is not the definition that  refers to the preoccupation with one’s own
appearance, but rather the alternate definition of vanity, which is something that is done in vain; something that is worthless or fruitless. The author
tells us that it is a fruitless effort if you try to find happiness in things, because accumulating things is like chasing after the wind.  Possessions are like a
puff of smoke. They arise then “poof” they disappear.

 He also tells us that trying to accumulate possessions in the hope that they will bring happiness is futile. Whatever we acquire, we can’t take with us,
right. You’ve probably heard the saying, “there’s no U-Haul trailer attached to the back of the hearse.” The things that we labored so hard for, and
sacrificed time away from our family for, the fruits of our labor, may be left to people who are wise…or foolish.

 In my secular work I often ran across business owners who sacrificed so much, and were so consumed with building a successful business, who then
became broken-hearted once they realized that their heirs had no interest in being involved in the business. They found it so hard to understand that
“their dream” of owning this business was not their children’s dream. And after the founder was gone, the business would have to be sold or liquidated.
The message sacred scripture gives us is that true happiness in life comes when we  detach ourselves from the worldly goods that cloud our vision
and lead us in the wrong direction.

 Our Gospel reinforces that message. Jesus teaches us a lesson through the parable of the rich fool who had such a large harvest that he decides that
he needs bigger barns to hold it. He tears down his existing barns and builds bigger barns. With great satisfaction he says that “now I have so many
things stored up that I can sit back, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God says, “you fool” if your life is demanded tonight…those things that brought you
satisfaction…to whom will they go? He’s foolish for his selfishness. Hoarding it to the point of worshipping it. And so it is for all who store up treasures for
themselves but are not rich in what matters to God. Our lesson from Jesus and Saint Paul is to guard against all greed, and to strive to live a life where
Christ is at the center, not possessions.

 Please understand that Our Lord is not railing against possessions. There’s nothing wrong with having things. Rather, His point is that we can’t let
possessions blind us to what’s really important… and that is to love God and love our neighbor.

 If your life is required of you this night, what will you have to show to the Lord. He doesn’t care about what’s in your barn, or garage, or home, or

 warehouse, or bank account. We are being challenged to move beyond the world of self-interest and self-preservation, so that we can become holy.
We can become men and women whose every word and action is aligned with the will of Jesus and in turn can help point others to Our Lord Jesus
Christ.

 Ignatius of Loyola, whose feast we just celebrated on July 31st, expresses it beautifully in this prayer. He said, “Lord, give me only your love and your
grace, that is enough for me.” My friends, strive for the love and grace of our Lord and you too will be rich in what truly matters.

 God bless you.

 Deacon Anthony Cioe

2025 APPEAL

This year’s theme: “Our Journey United in Hope,” is inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

 It reflects our collective commitment to walk on the path together with the hope Christ has provided us.

It invites us to be renewed in hope by bringing hope to others through individual gifts. Through our various ministries across the diocese your gift is shared and brings comfort, relief, encouragement and support to many.

Next weekend, February 8^th & 9^th, we will be holding our Catholic Ministries Appeal In-Pew Weekend. In preparation, you should receive a mailing from Bishop Sullivan that will include the 2025 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal materials. I ask that you please consider donating to this year’s campaign. It is important that we come together to support our ministries. They need the resources necessary to continue serving those in need.

By supporting the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting those who comprise the programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden. These ministries serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When we support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we can bring the light of hope to those in the Catholic community of South Jersey.

Please prayerfully consider joining us once again.