Faith Today

October 19, 2026

Riches That Matter Most

“Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions, even when someone has more than he needs.”
Luke 12:15

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Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the news reminds us of the urgency to protect and support those in need, as France’s President Macron calls for giving Ukraine all necessary means to defend its people and infrastructure. When we see suffering and threats to safety, we are challenged to look beyond material concerns and respond with generosity and solidarity. Today's message is clear: our worth and the richness of our lives are found not in what we possess, but in how we use our gifts to uplift others and build peace.

Coping

Today's readings remind us that when life feels overwhelming or uncertain, true strength and hope come not from what we accumulate but from God's grace and faithful love. This perspective helps us cope with difficult news, encouraging us to seek peace in things that cannot be lost or taken away.

Family

Jesus's response to the dispute over inheritance calls us to rethink our family priorities: rather than letting possessions become sources of conflict, we're invited to foster relationships rooted in gratitude and generosity, knowing our greatest treasures are found in love and togetherness.

Community

As Psalm 100 urges us to serve the Lord with gladness and come together in praise, the readings encourage us to build community through selfless acts, celebrating God's goodness and supporting one another, especially in times when collective well-being is threatened or challenged.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Ephesians 2:1-10

[1] And you were dead, through the crimes and the sins [2] which used to make up your way of life when you were living by the principles of this world, obeying the ruler who dominates the air, the spirit who is at work in those who rebel. [3] We too were all among them once, living only by our natural inclinations, obeying the demands of human self-indulgence and our own whim; our nature made us no less liable to God's retribution than the rest of the world. [4] But God, being rich in faithful love, through the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our sins, brought us to life with Christ -- it is through grace that you have been saved- [6] and raised us up with him and gave us a place with him in heaven, in Christ Jesus. [7] This was to show for all ages to come, through his goodness towards us in Christ Jesus, how extraordinarily rich he is in grace. [8] Because it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God; [9] not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit. [10] We are God's work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life.

Psalm · Psalms 100:2, 3, 4, 5

[2] serve Yahweh with gladness, come into his presence with songs of joy! [3] Be sure that Yahweh is God, he made us, we belong to him, his people, the flock of his sheepfold. [4] Come within his gates giving thanks, to his courts singing praise, give thanks to him and bless his name! [5] For Yahweh is good, his faithful love is everlasting, his constancy from age to age.

Gospel · Luke 12:13-21

[13] A man in the crowd said to him, 'Master, tell my brother to give me a share of our inheritance.' [14] He said to him, 'My friend, who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?' [15] Then he said to them, 'Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions, even when someone has more than he needs.' [16] Then he told them a parable, 'There was once a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his land, [17] thought to himself, "What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops." [18] Then he said, "This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, [19] and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time." [20] But God said to him, "Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?" [21] So it is when someone stores up treasure for himself instead of becoming rich in the sight of God.'