This weekend the passage from the Holy Gospel encourages us to be honest and identify “our treasure.” Isn’t it true that as we go through life, we can tend to put too much value on “the passing things of this earth” and consequently miss what and whom is REALLY of great value? What would you put on your list of valuables? The list for each of us really gives a description of where our heart is!!! The Holy Gospel reminds us that the meaning of life cannot be found in selfishly hoarding wealth and possessions, but rather in sharing “our gifts” with our brothers and sisters, especially those in need. In today’s Holy Gospel, by telling the “parable of the foolish rich man,” Jesus warns the disputing brothers and us against all types of greed, because greed takes our life’s focus away from God and away from serving and loving Him in other people. Jesus calls the greedy rich man a fool because the man thought he would not die soon and that he was not accountable for his riches. He also forgot that his wealth was loaned to him by God for sharing with the needy. Greed can take different shapes and forms. For some it may be the desire for the approval and praise of others. For others it is the uncontrolled desire for power, control, or fame. For still others greed takes the form of excessive and sinful indulgence in eating, drinking, gambling, drugs or sexual activities. Once again, greed diverts our life away from God and away from serving and loving Him in other people. As greed directs all our energy and attention to fulfilling US, the objects of our greed become our false gods, and they will consume us unless we become rich in the sight of God. And so, in summary, the “parable of the rich fool” reminds us that our possessions are merely loaned to us by God, and that we are accountable for their use. We must be generous in sharing our time, our treasure, and our talents, the three elements of Christian stewardship. Even if we are poor financially, we may be blessed with intelligence, good will, a sense of humor or the ability to encourage, inspire and support others. God expects us to give our thanks to Him for all these blessings by sharing them with others for His glory. I don’t think this is too much to ask, do you? Years ago a Chicago restaurant had specially printed place mats at all its tables. The mats were designed exclusively for the restaurant with the following decorative writing: “In 1923 an important meeting took place at Chicago’s Edgewater Beach Hotel. Attending the meeting were the following men: “The president of the largest steel company, the president of the largest utility company, the president of the largest gas company, the president of the New York Stock Exchange, The president of the New York Stock Exchange, the president of the bank of International Settlements, the greatest wheat speculator, the greatest bear on Wall Street, the head of the world’s greatest monopoly, and a member of President Harding’s cabinet.” That’s a pretty impressive lineup of people. Yet 25 years later, where were those nine industrial giants? The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab, died bankrupt. The president of the largest company, Samuel Insull, died penniless. The president of the largest gas company, Howard Hobson, had gone insane. The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney was just released from prison. The wheat speculator, Arthur Cutten, died penniless. The member of President Harding’s cabinet, Albert Fall, was just given pardon from prison so that he could die at home. The bank president, Leon Fraser, the Wall Street Bear, Jesse Livermore and the head of the world’s greatest monopoly, Ivar Kruegar, committed suicide. As St. Teresa of Avila once said, “all things are passing. God alone remains!” Think on her words!!! GOSPEL QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What or whom do you treasure MOST in your life?