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“One’s life does not consist of possessions.” –Luke 12:15
Two of my sisters have survived house fires. They and their families were unharmed, but both of them lost everything they owned. It’s a harrowing situation to face for a lot of reasons, but each of my sisters admits that for the most part, stuff can be replaced.
What can’t be replaced are the pre-computer photo albums, scrapbooks, love letters, special gifts, and heirlooms. It hurts in a deeper way to lose those bits of the past that tell us where we’ve been and who we’ve loved. But even after the fires, life did go on. Even such intimate losses are absorbed by the healing passage of time.
Around the world each day, people lose valuable things that are irreplaceable. Home, livelihood, independence, health, mobility, eyesight, hearing, citizenship, culture, and respect are all vulnerable items we never possess as surely as we imagine. We can’t hold on to our loved ones, not even with both hands clutching tightly. Jesus urges us to be rich in what matters to God. Paul even gives us the short list: faith, hope, and love.
What has grieved you most in the losing?
Where does your treasure lie now?
LET US PRAY… Illusions of wealth and entertainment lure us with their pleasing promises if only we invest our time in them. Lord, call us from the tomb of empty hours spent acquiring what can’t give us life. Lead us to quiet moments of contemplation, the warmth of genuine relationships, and the thrill of hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
While The Gospel at Home takes a break in the summer months, we’ll be drawing our weekly reflections from Exploring the Sunday Readings.
Image credit: iStock.com/Zephyr18
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