[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px|||||” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#ededed” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”79.9%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”|700||on|||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#ffc700″ custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”tagline” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|||on|||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
YOU FOOL, THIS NIGHT YOUR LIFE WILL BE DEMANDED OF YOU<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”1.PRAYER” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 1.PRAYER<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n God of abundance, we come with full schedules, crowded minds, and hearts that often hold too tightly. But in this space, help us loosen our grip on what we think we need. Make room in us for what truly matters: Connection. Compassion. Courage. Center us in your presence and open us to one another, so we may hear your quiet invitation to live more freely, and love more boldly.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. SHARING YOUR STORY” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2. <\/b>SHARING YOUR STORY<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Share a time when you were holding on to something\u2014money, time, stuff, control\u2014and letting go of it ended up being the best thing you could have done, even when it felt risky.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. STORIES AROUND THE GLOBE” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3. STORIES AROUND THE GLOBE<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-14-at-8.15.12\u202fAM.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-07-14 at 8.15.12\u202fAM” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”caption” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n A collapsed residential building in Mandalay, Myanmar April 2, 2025 due to the earthquake on March 28. (OSV News photo\/China Daily via Reuters)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n After a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, killing thousands and displacing millions, relief efforts were severely restricted by the country\u2019s military junta. Despite the danger and roadblocks, Maryknoll Father John Barth, working from Thailand, quietly funneled emergency funds to the Archdiocese of Mandalay, so local leaders could provide food, medicine, and shelter supplies to those in need.\u00a0<\/p>\n While others stored up and shut down, Father Barth and his partners chose to give, trusting that even limited help could save lives. Their actions offered a powerful witness: real security isn\u2019t found in stockpiles, but in solidarity.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. GOSPEL STORY” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>GOSPEL STORY<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, \u201cTeacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.\u201d He replied to him, \u201cFriend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?\u201d Then he said to the crowd, \u201cTake care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one\u2019s life does not consist of possessions.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he told them a parable. \u201cThere was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, \u2018What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?\u2019 And he said, \u2018This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, \u201cNow as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!\u201d\u2019 But God said to him, \u2018You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?\u2019 Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.\u201d Luke 12:13-21<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. REFLECTION ON THE READINGS” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5. <\/b>REFLECTION ON THE READINGS<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n It is so easy to get caught up in storing, saving, and securing, thinking if we just have a little more, we\u2019ll finally be safe or happy. But Jesus calls this out. The rich man in the story isn\u2019t foolish because he\u2019s successful\u2014he\u2019s foolish because he thinks security comes only from material wealth. He forgets that life is short, and what really matters can\u2019t be packed into barns or bank accounts. What really matters is who we\u2019ve loved, and who has loved us. This is a call to let go of the grip we have on our time, money, and energy\u2014and to start asking: What priority am I giving to my relationships? Who needs what I\u2019ve been hoarding? What would it look like to live with more trust and more generosity, right now?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”6. FAITH SHARING” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6. <\/b>FAITH SHARING<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Take stock of your [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”7. GO FORTH” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7. <\/b>GO FORTH<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Support Maryknoll\u2019s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. Working with Caritas and the Diocese of Mandalay, 100% of your gift provides food, water, and medical care to those in urgent need. Every dollar counts. Click here.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”8. PRAYER” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”22px|22px|22px|22px|false|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFC700″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 8. <\/b>PRAYER<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n God, thank you for meeting us in this space, not in the things we store up, but in the things we are willing to share. Help us live with open hands and open hearts. Make us generous with our time, brave with our love, and willing to let go of whatever keeps us small. Remind us that what matters most can\u2019t be measured in things, but in how deeply we give and how fully we show up. Amen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjExMTAifX0=@” button_text=”Read Next Guide” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#0c71c3″ button_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_border_color=”#FFC700″ button_icon=”||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI4NWY3OGE5ZC05YTIzLTQxYzEtYTMzYy1mYzRkYTI1NDBhZWMiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJkYXRlVGltZSIsImNvbmRpdGlvblNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImRpc3BsYXlSdWxlIjoiaXNBZnRlciIsImRhdGUiOiIyMDI0LTA2LTE2IiwidGltZSI6IjAwOjAwIiwid2Vla2RheXMiOiJ8IiwiYWxsRGF5Ijoib24iLCJmcm9tVGltZSI6IjAwOjAwIiwidW50aWxUaW1lIjoiMDA6MDAiLCJyZXBlYXQiOiJvZmYiLCJyZXBlYXRGcmVxdWVuY3kiOiJtb250aGx5IiwicmVwZWF0RnJlcXVlbmN5U3BlY2lmaWNEYXlzIjoid2Vla2x5IiwicmVwZWF0RW5kIjoibmV2ZXIiLCJyZXBlYXRVbnRpbERhdGUiOiIyMDI0LTYtMTIiLCJyZXBlYXRUaW1lcyI6IjMiLCJhZG1pbkxhYmVsIjoiRGF0ZSAmIFRpbWUiLCJlbmFibGVDb25kaXRpb24iOiJvbiJ9LCJvcGVyYXRvciI6Ik9SIn1d” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”width: 100%;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Aug 3, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"featured_image_src":"","blog_images":{"medium":"","large":""},"acf":[],"ams_acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1098"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1115,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098\/revisions\/1115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maryknollsociety.org\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\u2018barns\u2019\u2014the things you or your community store up for security. Where is the Spirit inviting you to let go, particularly, to better meet the needs of those who are facing food and housing insecurity?<\/p>\n