2025/08/03 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Elise Giles, Manager of Growth & Transformation

What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? This is what this Sunday’s readings ask us to consider. How do we make God the center of our lives while still doing the things necessary to survive and even flourish on earth – make money, have relationships, be a responsible citizen, eat food, drink water...etc. etc. Whether we acknowledge it or not, there will always be something “earthly” fighting for more of our attention. The challenge is learning how to distribute our earthly attention without sacrificing our spiritual devotion.   

Our culture tells us that MORE is better. More money, more status, more things, more of whatever makes us happy and feels good in the moment etc etc. We are being pulled in every direction.   

In response to this same problem, St. Paul advises the Colossians to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”   

Without Jesus, we would not have the strength or reason to approach life any differently than how culture tells us to. But because of our relationship with Him, we can be set free from the heavy burdens that the world suggests we carry. Jesus tells us in this Gospel passage that our priority should always be to become “rich in what matters to God” remembering that “one’s life does not consist of possessions.” 

To be in the world but not of the world means living with God at the center, holding loosely to the things of this life, and seeking to be rich in faith, hope, and love. When our hearts are rooted in Christ, the noise of the world fades, and we find the freedom to live with purpose, generosity, and joy.  

I like to listen to the song “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton when I find myself getting too caught up in the day to day worries of life. It’s not a church song but the chorus reminds me that this life is all temporary! So let us pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to seek what is above, remembering that we are just travelers on this earth with our gaze fixed on heaven.