How do we define success? What is truly real and important? Are we taken in by the world’s measure of success, money, power, and popularity? We live in a world where selfishness and sin are frequently glorified and glamorized while true success is ignored. The rich and famous are held up as examples and praised, but all to often they are anything but praiseworthy.
These are the illusory desires that Saint Paul speaks of. By pursuing them, by desiring them, we are ultimately robbed in the end.
True success lies on a different path, the one shown to us by Jesus.
We must put off the old self that is focused on temporal gain, so that the new self, created in God’s image may be put on. Jesus is the image of God that models for us this new person. He does not give in to the popularity of the crowd. He stays focused on His mission. He is pure self-giving. He is the example we are to follow.
And if along the way we achieve some measure of wealth or power, then it is given to us by God to further our mission.
“If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Ps. 62:10<
We are not here to give in to the temptations of the world. We are here to be conformed to the image of God, so that only the Father’s will takes place in us.
This is the path to everlasting life that Jesus shows us.
Pax Vobiscum
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time