THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 

What is the difference between a crucifix and a cross. A crucifix is a cross with the image of Jesus on it. To crucify means “to fasten on a cross,” and crucifix means “the crucified one.” When the image of Jesus is not on it, it is simply referred to as a cross. For us Catholics, crucifixes are called crosses. Generally, plain crosses represent the Christian faith. Crucifixes go deeper to signify the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for humanity’s redemption. Plain crosses and crucifixes are a powerful Catholic and Christian identity.

Historically, the cross was one of the ancient ways of execution which continued during the Roman Empire. The cross was a symbol of shame for public execution of political rebels, criminals, and rebellious slaves. Jesus was condemned as a political rebel and was crucified. From the earliest time, Christians gave dignity to the Cross of Jesus, exalted, and venerated it as a powerful religious and spiritual symbol. Honoring Jesus, the Roman Emperor, Constantine, abolished crucifixion about 313 AD after he became a Christian. Before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constatine testified that he saw a vision of a cross in the sky with the inscription, “In this sign, conquer.” He marked his soldiers’ shields with the sign of the cross. He attributed his victory to the power of the cross and to the Christian God.

Jesus’ crucifixion transformed his own cross to a glorified and Holy Cross. Christians, from the apostolic time, began to use the Sign of the Cross as a prayer for invocation of the Trinity, as a gesture of prayer for protection, as a profession of faith, and for blessing. Part of Good Friday’s liturgy is the Veneration of the Cross. We sing, “Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world … Come, let us adore.” We begin each station of the Stations of the Cross with the prayer of exaltation, “We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you; because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.” The Cross is exalted in the Preface of today’s Mass: “For you placed the salvation of the human race on the wood of the Cross, so that, where death arose, life might again spring forth and the evil one, who conquered on a tree, might likewise on a tree be conquered, through Christ our Lord.” This exaltation summarizes the story of the fall of Adam and Eve and the salvation story. Later in this Mass, we will acclaim the Mystery of Faith: “Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.” The Church calls the Cross “Immortal Tree” and “Tree of Life.” 

Jesus himself exalts his Cross by his words in today’s gospel, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14). Jesus also says in John 12:32, “And when I am lifted up [on the cross] from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

The first reading tells us that when the Israelites sinned and were attacked by serpents. Following God’s directives, Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and those who were bitten by serpents and looked at the bronze serpent were healed. This was a prefigure of the Cross and Jesus crucified on it. There is a difference between looking at the bronze serpent and receiving healing and looking at the crucifix and receiving healing. The serpent represents sin and evil. The people looked at it to reject (renounce) sin and evil and were healed. On the other hand, when we look at the crucifix, we look at Jesus the savior, the author of life, and the healer.

The cross is exalted because it tells the salvation story at a glance. The salvation story is a story of hope that does not end with crucifixion but continues with resurrection and ascension. The Cross of Jesus is a symbol of strength and perseverance. Jesus did not refuse his Cross. He persevered through it all. We are encouraged to do the same. May our crosses not be the end of our stories. May we also attain our own ‘resurrection’ and ‘ascension’ in whatever shape or form God wills it. Let us graft our crosses to the Holy Cross and draw spiritual nutrients from it for our earthly journey.

Today, the Church reassures us that there is power in the Holy Cross. Satan, his demons, principalities and powers, elemental spirits, and familiar spirits dread the power represented by the crucifix. It wards them off and expels them.  We are given, once again, the same sign given to Emperor Constantine, “In this sign, conquer.” Like Constantine, let the Sign of the Cross be our banner and our sword for battles. By faith, keep the crucifix around you, carry it with you, place it in your house and environment, wear it, behold it, contemplate it, pray before it, venerate it. Let us boast like St. Paul who says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). St. Paul also calls the cross the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). May the power represented by the Holy Cross fight for us and grant us victory. Amen.

One of the classical hymns of the Exaltation of the Cross, The Old Rugged Cross, was written in 1913 by Rev. George Bennard (Methodist Episcopal Church). The refrain:

 *So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.* 

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Wisdom 9:13-18; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17; Philemon 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14:25-33

The first reading says, “For the deliberations of mortal are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. …” (Wisdom 9:15-16).

Today’s first reading reminds us of the first reading of the 18th Sunday, “Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Again, the Church invites us to reflect on the vainness, rootlessness, helplessness, restlessness, emptiness, unfulfilled-ness of human beings’ pursuits of earthly possessions with no reference to God. We and the society remain burdened and weighed down by the pursuit of vanities. Our deliberations without God are timid (lack depth). We are restless until we rest in the Lord, says St. Augustine.

The second reading is St. Paul’s letter to his friend, Philemon, who was a wealthy Christian leader. In the letter, he appealed to Philemon to reconcile with his slave, Onesimus, who escaped and ran to St. Paul. It is remarkable that St. Paul encouraged Philemon to welcome Onesimus and have him back “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother … beloved in the Lord.” Blessed are we when we no longer see people through the lens of race, color, ethnicity, religion, class, status, gender, and other classifications, but see one another as brothers or sisters. St. Paul states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor there is male and female, for you are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28).

Some New Testament scholars maintain that Philemon welcomed St. Paul’s appeal and indeed reconciled with Onesimus. The fact that this letter of St. Paul to Philemon survived is a testimony of the reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus. This reconciliation is a challenge to many of us who prefer to bear grudges and who prefer enmity than following the path of peace and reconciliation. Blessed are we when we forgive and reconcile. We remain burdened and weighed down by rejecting one another and by refusing to forgive and reconcile. Jesus says that the sins we retain are retained (John 20:23). The sins are retained in the one who refuses to forgive. Anyone who does not follow the path of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation like Philemon cannot be a disciple of Jesus.

In today’s gospel Jesus addresses us, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife, and children, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. … Anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26, 33). Jesus does not literally mean that we hate anyone in order to be his disciple. He means that relationships and earthly possessions must not take the place of God in our lives. Always, God first! Carrying one’s cross and following Jesus means self-denial and self-surrendering to God’s will. St. Cyprian of Carthage writes, “Prefer nothing to Christ, because he preferred nothing to us.”

If we are burdened and weighed down by the pursuit of possessions and vanities, we cannot be Jesus’ disciples. Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Those who make their wealth by all kinds of foul means cannot be disciples of Jesus, even when they identify closely with the Church and with Christianity. On the Judgement Day, Jesus will say to such people, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers” (Matthew 7:23).

Jesus continues in today’s gospel, “Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? … Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide with a thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?” (Luke 14:28-33). When God plays a central role in our deliberations and our decisions, the Holy Spirit guides us to depth, to what is godly, to what is Christian, to what is reasonable, to what is possible, to what is sustainable, and to what is God’s will.

Remember the first reading of last Sunday, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility. … What is sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not” (Sirach 3:17 & 21). Pride, lack of self-contentment, lack of self-acceptance, over ambition, greed, and covetousness have led many astray and ruined many lives. Unhealthy competitions and unhealthy comparisons have led many astray and ruined many lives. These vices corrupt the body, burden the soul, and weigh down the mind. Various crises, violence, wars, sufferings of the innocent in our society and in our world are due to these vices. These tragedies are due to the removal of God from our systems. We continue to pray for the repentance of those who bring these hardships upon our society and our world.

On our part, these vices lead us to make wrong and sinful choices. The vices prevent us from becoming true disciples of Jesus. We pray for the grace to free ourselves from the vices, have closer relationship with God, and be able to faithfully carry our crosses and follow him. Amen.

TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the virtue of humility.

First reading: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gift. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.... What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not” (Sirach 3:17-18, 21). Many people have perished and many more are perishing because this advice is not heeded.

Gospel: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table of honor... For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:7-11).

A few more Bible passages on humility:

Proverbs 8:13, “The Lord says, ‘I hate pride and arrogance, and perverse speech.”

Proverbs 11:12, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 29:23, “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gains honor.”

James 4:10, “Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up.”

It is not a coincidence that the words ‘humble’ and ‘human’ are closely related. Both words are derived from the Latin word humus or earth. Biology teaches us that humus is the best part of the soil that makes plants grow. God made human beings from humus, the best part of the soil. And human beings return to humus at the end of their life span.

Humility can be defined as devoid of pride or devoid of vanity. That is why some spiritual fathers and mothers see humility as the foundation of all virtues. According to St. Augustine, “In a soul humility does not exist, there can be no true virtue, but mere appearance.” St. Augustine also says, “If you are seeking perfection, there are three ways to reach it; first is humility, second is humility, and third is humility.” St. Dominic says, “Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” St. Thomas Villanova says, “Humility is the mother of many virtues. From it springs obedience, holy fear, reverence, patience, modesty, mildness, and peace.” St. Thomas Villanova also says, “A humble person does not feel the insult which may be inflicted upon him or her.”

A humble person does not retain in himself or herself insults inflicted upon him or her. When we experience prolonged anger or disturbance of soul, mind, and body due to insults from someone, it means that the pride in us or our self-importance has retained the insults. The less proud we are or the less self-important we feel, the less we are wounded by insults, and the more forgiving we are. At the root of many unforgiveness, misunderstandings, and arguments is wounded pride and wounded self-importance. Scripture says, “Where there is strife, there is pride” (Proverbs 13:10).

A humble person is content and detached, and does not engage in unhealthy competitions and comparisons. He or she is respectful. He or she is not arrogant. He or she does not depend on human recognition. Jesus did not depend on human testimony (John 5:34). He admonishes us, “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29). He teaches us humility when he washed the feet of his disciples. During the time of Jesus, it was the servants who washed the feet of their masters and visitors after their journeys on dusty paths and roads. Jesus says, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:12-15).

St. Paul encourages us to, “Have among yourselves the same attitude [as] Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; … he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him…” (Philippians 2:5-9). When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently” (1 Corinthians 4:12).

Jesus draws our attention to another virtue as he concludes today’s gospel. He says, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:12-14). By this Jesus differentiates ‘quid pro quo’ giving (something for something) or transactional giving (gift in anticipation of favor or benefit) which is worldly, and sacrificial giving or selfless giving which is spiritual.

We conclude with the Prayer for Generosity by St. Ignatius Loyola:

"Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will. Amen."

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30

Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading: “… I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them; from them I will send fugitives (better translated as: messengers, ambassadors, emissaries) to the nations … to distant coastlands that have never heard my fame, or seen my glory; and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations. They shall all bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nations as an offering to the Lord…Some of these I will take as priests and Levites …” Every word of this prophecy was fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ and the spread of Christianity all over the world.

Isaiah says that we are sent as messengers to the nations and distant coastland to bring brothers and sisters to God and to proclaim his glory. We ask ourselves a few questions. Where do I see myself in Isaiah’s message considering discipleship, evangelization, and witnessing Jesus to others? Can I boast of bringing anyone to God in any way? Where do I see myself in Isaiah’s message in helping someone in need, or bringing joy to someone who is distressed? Can the needy and the distressed see God’s glory through me?

God has taken only a few from among us as priests, religious, and missionaries, who are God’s messengers to distant lands. For the rest of us, the nations and coastlands where we are sent as messengers are our family, our community, our neighborhood, our parish, our work place, and the society.

Moses’ words to the Israelites are relevant for our reflection, “For this command which I am giving you today is not too wondrous or remote for you. It is not in the heavens, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to the heavens to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may do it?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may do it?’ No, it is something very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).

The second reading reminds us that as God’s messengers, we will encounter trials and difficulties in our missions and undertakings. The second reading encourages us to endure our trials and difficulties. The reading exhorts us, “So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed” (Hebrews 12:12-14). Many times, trials and difficulties are rungs of life’s ladder. Let no trials make anyone to fall off from one’s ladder of life. We pray for God’s grace.

Whether as messengers of God or whether we are pursuing our life’s goal, we will encounter “narrow gates” that is trials and difficulties. But Jesus encourages us in today’s gospel to “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, … will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” We pray for God’s grace.

In today’s gospel, “Someone asked Jesus, ‘Lord, will only a few people be saved?’” (Luke 13:23). Before the coming of Jesus, the Jews believed that the kingdom of God was only for the Jews, and that the Gentiles had no share in the kingdom. The questioner wanted to know Jesus’ opinion. Jesus explained that the kingdom of God is not a privilege or a birthright of any one or any group or any nation, but for those who merit it by their striving. Jesus says, “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Which is to say, some Gentiles who accepted the message of salvation would recline at table in the kingdom of God, while the Jews who refused the message of salvation would not be saved.

Sadly, as it was in the time of Jesus, so it is now in many places where resources, positions, placements, and so on are not shared or distributed equitably and according to merit but according to privilege, might, and power. Let us pray for the repentance of those who promote the vices of favoritism, discrimination, exclusion, and entitlement in our society. We pray that the concept of fair share replaces the vice of partiality.

It is even more sad that among us, many times, we inflict on one another these same vices and sins we cry about and condemn that are happening in our society. On our own part, let us be advocates and instruments of fairness wherever we find ourselves. Jesus says, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you” (Matthew 20:25).

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

The persecution of Jeremiah described in the first reading took place before Babylon conquered and destroyed Judah about 587 B.C. King Zedekiah and his princes were in dilemma, either to surrender and pay tax to Babylon or resist and be destroyed. The princes advised Zedekiah to seek alliance with Egypt and go to war with Babylon. Jeremiah advised against resisting and going to war with Babylon. He advised paying of tax to avoid the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. This contrary advice made the princes to seek the death of Jeremiah. They said to the king, “Jeremiah ought to be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in the city and all the people, … he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin” (Jeremiah 38:4). Of course, the princes lied against Jeremiah. With the permission of the king, the princes threw Jeremiah into a well full of mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud. Their plan was a painful death of Jeremiah by starvation or by whatever could kill him in that abyss.

In the first reading, we read how Ebedmelech intervened and Jeremiah was rescued alive from the well. It is pleasing to know that Ebedmelech, a court official, was an Ethiopian. Jeremiah was saved by an African!

Egypt refused to ally with Judah against Babylon. Babylon conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and carried the people into exile.

The first reading is an example of where people refuse to humble themselves and accept the truth but prefer to tell lies and prefer to kill the messenger of the truth. It is an example of where people do everything possible to sink the truth into the mud. The rescue of Jeremiah shows that the truth never remains buried in the mud. The truth will eventually come to light, no matter how long it is hidden. Jesus says, “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known” (Matthew 10:26).

The conquering of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the carrying of the people into exile show the unfortunate consequences of arrogance, lies, and rejection of the truth. St. Paul cautions, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

When we are confronted with the truth, do we take the path of the princes; that is, reject the truth, tell lies, get rid of the messenger of the truth? Or, do we take the path of Ebedmelech; that is, speak the truth and save the innocent?

Despite the persecution faced by Jeremiah, he did not relent in prophesying to the people what “Thus says the Lord …” Jeremiah teaches us that if we are on the path of the truth, we are not to give up but to persevere in the face of opposition and difficulties. The second reading encourages us to “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith … [who] endured the cross, despising its shame. … Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

In today’s gospel, Jesus says that his coming will bring division. How does the Prince of Peace become a source of division? Jesus is the truth. Therefore, division is bound to occur wherever lies are upheld and the truth is rejected. Peace, harmony, and unity do not exist where the truth is rejected. Jesus says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Jesus, also, says in the gospel, “I have come to set fire on earth, and how I wish it were already blazing.” The Sacraments and the word of God we receive are supposed to set us on fire in the same way Jeremiah was set on fire which made him cry out: “I say I will not mention him, I will no longer speak in his name. But then it is as if fire is burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding back, I cannot endure it!” (Jeremiah 20:9). We can, therefore, see why detractors could not stop Jeremiah from proclaiming the truth.

The fire of truth burned in the life of Ebedmelech who was a mere servant. He was fired up to courageously speak to the king about the murderous actions of the princes. The king, who had handed Jeremiah over to the princes, ordered the rescue of Jeremiah. The fire of truth of a servant dispelled the darkness of falsehood of the princes.

The fire Jesus sets on us makes us the light of the world that cannot be hidden or put under a bowl. May we let our light shine so that our good works be seen and God be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). May we blaze from the fire of the Lord. Amen.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-22; Hebrew 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

The first reading calls our attention to the Jews who put their trust in “sure knowledge of oaths” between God and their ancestors and for this, they remained steadfast in their faith in God. God made oaths to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them and their descendants the land of Canaan. God made oaths to those who obeyed his laws and commandments, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” The first reading reveals that at various times of persecution, the faithful continued to worship God in secret. The first reading says, “For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.”

In the same manner, the Catholic Church has survived various periods of persecution due to the secret religious practices of the faithful. There are powerful stories about Ireland, Japan, China, and other places of how the Catholic Church survived persecution for centuries due to the perseverance of Catholics who performed religious practices in hiding. Sometimes, they are called underground churches. The message of the first reading is a challenge to us as individuals and to our generation in general.

Two Sundays ago, we reflected on Abraham’s hospitality. Last Sunday, we reflected on his life of prayer. Today, the second reading invites us to reflect on his faith in God. We read: “ *By faith* Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. *By faith* he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents … *By faith* he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age - and Sarah herself was sterile - for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. … *By faith* Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac…” What a man of faith, which he is why he is called “father of faith.”

Soren Kierkegaard uses the phrase, “leap of faith” to describe a decision or belief that is made without logical or rational justification. The “leap of faith” Abraham took in each of the situations narrated in the second reading is amazing. They are a challenge to us as individual and to our generation in general. Abraham’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of our ancestors encourage us to have unwavering faith in God in all circumstances. St. Paul says, “We Walk by faith not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). He also says, “In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). The Book of Hebrews 11:6 writes, “…without faith it is impossible to please him.”

However, St. James tells us that faith alone is not enough. Good works must accompany it. He asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” St. James concludes, “Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14 & 16). Good works are actions motivated by love of God and love of human beings. If we who are of little faith also lack good works, of what benefit is that to us? St. John emphasizes the love of human being where he states, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20).

We were reminded last Sunday that we are all sojourners on earth whose real citizenship is in heaven. The reminder continues today as Jesus encourages us that God “is pleased to give us the kingdom.” Therefore, we are to work towards having “inexhaustible treasures in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.” Jesus adds, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Which means, we are not to put our hearts here on earth which offers us only transient worldly treasures. Rather, we are to put our hearts on the Kingdom of God where our eternal treasures are.

Jesus says in John 14:1-3, “… And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” He tells us in today’s gospel to be faithful and prudent stewards who await their master’s return, ready to open immediately he knocks. Faithful and prudent servants are those build eternal treasures with love of God and faith in God, and with love of human beings and good works. May God give us the graces we need to build eternal treasures. Amen.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-13; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21

We read in the first reading, “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” The word vanity originates from the Latin word “vanus,” meaning “empty” or “void.” Another Bible translation is, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Vanity is preferring world-centered life instead of God-centered life. The first reading does not discourage or condemn accomplishments and possessions. Right at the beginning, God blessed his creation, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Prayers of blessing in Psalm 90:17 and Psalm 115:14-15 are, “May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” “The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.” We say “Amen” to the blessing and the prayers. 

However, the first reading reminds us that we are all sojourners on earth, and that earthly pursuits, worldly accomplishments, and material possessions are ultimately vain, empty, and meaningless when they are acquired through sinful ways or without connection to God. Jesus sums up the first reading’s message in the following words, “… for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Which is to say that our physical and spiritual increase and prosperity must be God-centered.

The second reading speaks of people who live world-centered life of immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, and lying. They live life of corruption. They steal, murder, and destroy. St. Paul writes about such people in Philippians 3:19, “Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’ Their minds are occupied with earthly things.”

In Philippians 3:20 St. Paul speaks about our “citizenship of heaven” and he encourages us in today’s second reading, “… seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. … Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly…”

There are people who do not believe that there is God and that there is eternal life, either in heaven or in hell. The psalmist laments, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). There are many Scriptures’ emphases on judgement and reward after earthly life. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives a vivid description of the Day of Judgement: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. … Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ … Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. …’” St. Paul warns unbelievers in Galatians 6:7 “Make no mistake: God is not mocked.” Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a human being who speaks falsely” (Numbers 23:19).

We have examples of people of vanity in today’s gospel. Their problem was greed. The first man was upset with his brother and wanted his share of the inheritance. If his case was genuine, I imagine that Jesus, being the advocate of the oppressed, would have intervened on his behalf. Rather, Jesus saw the greed in his heart and addressed him, and all of us: “Take care and guard against all greed …” By this statement, Jesus warns us that selfish desires must not rule us or lead us to sin.

The second person, the greedy rich fool, was unable to share his possessions with others. His action plan was, “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 the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:18-21).  The psalmist and the Book of Revelations say of such fools, “In their riches, human beings lack wisdom” (Psalm 49:20). “For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’ and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelations 3:17).

Job reminds those their lives consist of possessions and those who grab, steal, accumulate, bicker, fight, and kill, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21). Jesus advises us in today’s gospel to be rich in what matters to God. The more we are rich in what matters to God, the less we store up earthly treasures for ourselves. The deeper one’s spiritual life is, the lesser one is involved in things of vanity. Therefore, we are challenged to share our treasures with others. We pray with today’s Psalm (90:12), “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”

God has given more than enough resources to the world. God’s plan is, as St. Paul states, “Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less” (2 Corinthians 8:15). Sadly, suffering, poverty, hunger, wars, and various afflictions are caused by greedy men and women, and greedy establishments, companies, and countries. We pray that they may come to conversion, unharden their hearts, and take positive actions towards eliminating the tragedies they continue to unleash upon the world.