Guard against avarice

Sometimes we hear about a book, a programme on television or an interview on the radio that promises to make clear the true meaning of life. Would we be among those that rush to obtain that information? There is no need to do that because the answer has already been given to us through our faith in Jesus. St Paul tells us in the first reading from Ephesians 2:1-10 that God loves us with so much love and was so generous with his mercy that he brought us to life with Jesus. He tells us why we are here on earth with the astonishing words that ''We are God's work of art, created in Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live.'' The message is reinforced in the gospel where in 12:13-21, Luke tells us the parable of Jesus of the rich man who had a good harvest and decided to pull down his barns in order to build bigger ones to store his grain and other goods. Then he thought that he could relax, eat and drink and have a good time. But God tells him that he is a fool because that very night he will die and not take any of his gains with him. The question asked will be, ''What have you got to show me from your life on earth?'' God won't ask about wealth, social position or goods owned. Watch and guard against avarice he says and show me how you have loved me by loving your neighbour. By your life of love you will make yourselves rich in the sight of God. ''Lord Jesus, come into my heart to make it yours forever that I may live in the love you want of me.''