The readings today are asking us to realize that nothing in life comes without cost. We are encouraged to ask God for the gift of wisdom which is a gift that guides us on our spiritual journey. Living the gospel values requires this gift of wisdom. Following Jesus must influence our attitude toward family, friends and possessions. The readings and the holiday we are celebrating encourage us to ask ourselves some important questions: what have I done for Jesus in the past; what am I doing for Him now; and what do I hope to do for Him in the future? Do we spend enough time with our families? How do we help others to spiritual growth within our families? How do we use what we have, including our time, talents, and treasures? Do we exercise self-sacrifice for the sake of others?

Please enjoy the remaining days of summer.

The readings today ask us to focus on the magnificent breadth of God’s kingdom. Such a kingdom demands nothing less than converted hearts. There is a tendency in all of us to try to justify why we should be admitted to heaven. I suspect at times that all of us try to earn our way to heaven. However, the message of Jesus is that we cannot do this. None of us are 100% right or worthy of God’s kingdom. It is best to understand that the narrow door means that we accept Jesus, His teachings, and His decision to never give up on anyone. Jesus is among us to offer hope. Even the worst thief or evil person has a chance to be saved because of Jesus. We do not do this alone; and we only do good with the help of God’s grace. Each one of us is always in more need of conversion. The people who have touched our lives the most are more remembered not because they were sinless, but that they reflected more of God’s graces than personal pettiness or selfishness.

Conversion is the invitation to see all people as sisters and brothers in God’s kingdom and Gods’ plans. This means for us to let go of our masks, try to read the human heart and leave the recordkeeping to someone else. If we were to look for the extraordinary efforts of others, we would be amazed at how often people go way past our expectations. Hopefully, we would praise God, say “thank you” to them and notice how God invites us to continue or do the same for others.

Please enjoy the remaining days of summer.

The Assumption is a sign of God’s mercy being fulfilled. It is also a sign that our true home is with God.

How many of us have ever thought about writing our own magnificat…our own prayer of thanks to God? This would be a great witness to Him as there is great pain and sin in the world. Some people have lost their meaning in life or their awareness that God is the source of love and goodness. At times it almost seems like the way of the world is competition and fear.

We contrast this with the example of Mary who is a beacon of hope. She found joy in being chosen by God. This solemnity celebrates the great thing God has done for Mary. Mary made the total gift of herself to God. She is a powerful example for all of us to learn from. Mary experienced pain; but she took that pain to grow closer to God and experience refinement. In all things Mary draws us to her son Jesus.

Do we let our pain transform us into more compassionate people? Do we point people to the Lord as well? God desires for all of us to share in the same promised eternal life.

There are many things that fear is evidenced by. Reasonable fear triggers protective action whereas obsessive fear is what we must protect against. Jesus suggests that we might need to reduce our overhead a bit to cut down on worry. Jesus suggests that we spend time and effort caring for the treasures that God gives us. God entrusts us to love and care for each other. He also gives us His words in Sacred Scripture to live by. He gives us His presence to guide us. Perfect love casts out all fear.

The readings today show us that God gives us the grace to change our ways and develop new attitudes. What are we doing with our lives? What are the things that we hunger for? In today’s Gospel we see the foolishness of the rich man because he thinks that his possessions can guarantee his future. We know, however, that we cannot truly live a full life if we give no thought to God. Without God we are truly poor. Our true security and life rests with God and a relationship with Him. Jesus redefines the meaning of richness. We need to keep material things in proper perspective. Being truly rich is found in what truly matters to God. Jesus speaks about being enthusiastic in growing rich in God’s eyes. Are we intent on the things above?

The readings today raise some interesting questions for us to consider:

• Is God a friend or merely an acquaintance?
• What place does prayer have in my life?
• Where does prayer lead me in my life?
• What does it mean to trust in God’s Justice?
• What is my relationship to God, what could it be?

Today’s readings focus on the importance of being connected to God. This is a day and age when we have a new sense of the importance of being connected with others. The story of how Abraham was able to bargin with God would indicate that Abraham felt respectfully close to God. Abraham knew that God is a God of justice, mercy and love, and Abraham in return had a profound respect and love for God. This reading shows that God is relational and intimate. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to persevere in prayer from the heart. Our prayer seeks to discover the will of God in our lives and gives us the grace to serve others with joy.

In the Our Father we ask for daily bread, for food that sustains us, and for forgiveness. Faithful people of prayer are people who find new life in God. People of prayer and faith are awed and fully aware of the power of prayer.

God wishes to help us and He will.