Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 3, 2025

Date: 18^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘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 all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

All the readings today, but especially the Gospel remind us of what matters in life. While we need resources in order to live, true wealth does not consist of earthly possessions in barns, warehouses, or vaults, but in loving relationships with the LORD and one another.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What would others watching me name as my priorities? Would love of the LORD or others make the list?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are love. You are love’s source. You shower it upon your creation, especially upon us, your daughters and sons. Grant that we may recognize the gift so great and turn our faces, our lives, and our hearts to You.

Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, You came among us as our brothers for love of the Father and love of us. You opened our eyes and minds to the love of the Father Almighty and called us to bring our needs, especially our need for mercy, to Him. And You gave us not only your Word to ponder but your example to follow. Grant that we may pick up our crosses and follow You.

Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere You are with us to guide us and to grace us with divine gifts for this life. Through You we recognize and open ourselves to Christ, our Savior. Strengthen our faith, widen our hope, deepen our love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.