Daily Gospel Reflection for October 23, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Connie Beckman

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

“You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."

You and I do not know the day, hour, or time when our life will end on this earth. It is something to take very seriously. I personally do not like to think about when my last day will be here on earth.

However, it is good to ponder and to prepare for. The question I like to ask myself is: “If Jesus called me home today, am I prepared to meet Him?” Pondering this question helps me to take inventory of my life and see what really matters. It is not things and possessions that matter. Rather, it is how I loved, forgave, and showed mercy to others.

When my husband’s parents were not able to care for themselves anymore, they went into a long-term care facility. We had to go through all their possessions. They were not rich but collected lots of things. It was overwhelming how much stuff they had. Little by little it got sorted out, given away, or sold.

After the death of both parents, I went up to gather their things in their room. I was able to put their possessions in a medium-sized cardboard box. It was a good reminder for me that we leave this life without our possessions.

"Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."

Ponder:

Are you ready to meet Jesus if you are called home today?

Pray:

Jesus, I ask You to help me to let go of my stuff to make room in my heart to love You, serve You, and love others in this life.

Click to tweet:
It is not things and possessions that matter. Rather, it is how I loved, forgave, and showed mercy to others. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Connie Beckman

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana, with her husband and is a member of Saints Cyril & Methodious Parish. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word, addressing a variety of subjects.