The patriarch Abraham believed God in a very difficult matter. "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him" as righteousness (Rm 4:3, 22; see also Gn 15:6). What a wonderful thing to have credited to you!
Many are focused on improving their credit score. Without a good credit score, it can be very difficult to get a loan, rent an apartment, or even make a living. Many people pay very close attention to their credit rating. They worry about it and change their lives in order to improve their credit score.
The man in today's Gospel reading with a good harvest would have had a high credit score. He had provisions in store for years to come (Lk 12:19). Yet all his treasures were for himself, not for God (Lk 12:21). When he died that same evening, his high credit score suddenly meant nothing for his eternal future.
Deposit your treasures in heaven, not on earth (Mt 6:19-20). That is where your true treasure should lie. Set your hearts, and credit rating, on the Lord above (Col 3:1-2). God does not keep score, and we cannot earn points to curry His favor, but He does credit our obedient faith to us (Rm 4:23-24). So seek to have the faith of Abraham. Believe God at all times.
| PRAYER: | "Lord, 'increase our faith' " (Lk 17:5). Give us obedient, water-walking faith. |
| PROMISE: | "He has dealt mercifully with our fathers and remembered the holy covenant He made." –Lk 1:72 |
| PRAISE: | St. John encouraged being a light that "diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view." He echoed to people the words of Jesus: "You are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College