read today’s readings at usccb.org

Today, Paul defines grace in his letter to the Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
it is not from works, so no one may boast.
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works
that God has prepared in advance,
that we should live in them.”  Eph 2:1-10
Grace is the free gift from God to save us through the actions of His Son dying on the cross, rising, and ascending to heaven.  We are born in sin, thus need a Savior.  God loves us and wants us to have a share of His love.  What are you doing to thank God each day for this gift that has been freely given to you?  How are you glorifying Him for giving you this gift in your daily deeds, prayer, and the way you treat others.
Jesus tells us in the Good News to be careful not to fall into greed because God has blessed us with many material possessions.  He states, ““Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
and after the parable about a man who stored up many possessions on earth but did not use them to glorify God he says, “‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself
but is not rich in what matters to God.”  Lk 12:13-21
Jesus makes it very clear that if we have been blessed with many material goods, we are called to share them and glorify God with them.  If we store them up, we cannot take them with us.  No material possessions will enter heaven with us, so use your blessings to share with others and benefit those in need.  Then all you will be taking with you to heaven is love for God.