22 Oct Rich for God (Lk 12:15) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“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.'” ~ Lk 12:15 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: In today’s Gospel, we are warned about the pitfalls of greed (e.g., the greed-based abortion industry); however, we are not told to avoid being rich. It is alright to be rich as long as we are rich in what matters to God. Materialism, on the other hand, is a form of self-induced slavery in which we have an uncontrollable attachment to material possessions. If you don’t believe me, try removing the material clutter from your house and donating it to charity. The feeling you have afterwards is liberating. I find that material things just add to the complexity of my life and contribute unnecessary anxiety (e.g., things being broken, not working, lost, stolen, or turning obsolete by a newly released gadget on the market). Like Mother Teresa said, we need to simplify our lives (“Live simply so that others may simply live”). By removing materials from our life, we can focus more on what really matters, being rich for God. Only God can fill the God-size hole in our heart. Lord, may I always be eager for Your presence for only You can fulfill me. Amen.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: Avoid the slavery of materialism by satisfying your desires with God.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: Blessed Pope John Paul II
Faith Quote: “The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.” – Bl. Pope John Paul II
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Mt 28:19.