18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 3, 2031
What Really Matters Most
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to stop and think about what really matters. It is easy to focus on money, success, and things we own. But these do not last. The readings point us to something greater.
Ecclesiastes tells us that working hard just to gain wealth is empty. Life is short. We cannot take anything with us. Psalm 90 teaches us to ask God to help us use our time well. We are reminded that each day is a gift.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a man who saves up his riches. He is proud of all he owns. But God calls him a fool. His life ends that night. He is not ready. Jesus teaches us to be rich in what matters to God.
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to look up, not down. Paul tells us to focus on heaven. When we follow Christ, we become new. We let go of sin. We learn to live in love and truth.
Mass Readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23: The Teacher declares everything meaningless. Working hard only to leave the results to someone else is futile. Life is full of pain and worry, and this is also meaningless.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: God turns people back to dust, and life is fleeting like grass. Teach us to value our days and show us compassion. May God’s favor be upon us and our work.
- Second Reading – Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11: Focus on what is above, not on earthly things. Put to death sinful behaviors and renew yourself in Christ. Christ is everything and in everyone.
- Gospel – Luke 12:13-21: Jesus warns against greed and tells a parable of a rich man focused on storing wealth. God calls him a fool, reminding us that life is about being rich toward God.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?
Luke 12:20
Themes for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
On the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings call us to examine our values and priorities. They remind us to look beyond material wealth and focus on what is eternal. Here are some key themes from this Sunday’s readings.
- The Emptiness of Wealth: The first reading warns us that worldly riches and success can feel empty. It reminds us that only God can give lasting joy and fulfillment.
- Setting Hearts on Heaven: Paul encourages believers to seek what is above and keep their focus on God’s kingdom. This calls us to prioritize spiritual growth over material concerns.
- Letting Go of Greed: Jesus’ parable in the Gospel warns against greed and storing up riches. It shows that selfish desires can separate us from God and others.
- True Security in God: The readings remind us that earthly wealth is fragile, but God’s love is steady and secure. Our security and peace come from trusting in God rather than possessions.
- Living for Eternal Life: Paul calls us to focus on eternal life by living in a way that pleases God. This theme reminds us that our actions should reflect our hope in heaven.
- The Folly of Selfish Ambition: The Gospel warns against putting our ambitions above God and others. It challenges us to use our blessings to serve and to help others.
- Seeking Lasting Joy: The readings call us to seek joy that endures beyond this life. True joy comes from our relationship with God and living according to His ways.
These themes from the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourage us to live with purpose and hope in God. They remind us that true happiness and peace come from placing our lives in God’s hands.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Resources for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 3, 2031
Latest and Greatest (Lesson Plan about the Rich Fool)
This lesson plan for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on peer pressure for the latest material goods. Based on Luke 12:13-21, the Gospel for this Sunday, the lesson explores Jesus’ warning that life is not about possessions but about being “rich toward God.” It helps youth reflect on how chasing trends and material goods can distract them from what truly matters.
Youth will examine the pressures they face to have the latest things and how these pressures impact their identity and faith. Through discussion and practical activities, they will learn to embrace gratitude, resist comparison, and focus on their relationship with God. This lesson helps young people find confidence, grow in faith, and discover lasting joy that doesn’t rely on material possessions.
Treasure Hunt Game
Treasure Hunt is a simple, fun activity that connects well with the themes of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Hide chocolate coins around your space, and let students search for them as a reminder of how we often focus on earthly treasures. The readings for this Sunday teach us to seek heavenly treasures and prioritize our relationship with God over material wealth.
This activity encourages students to reflect on what they’re truly “hunting” for in life. It’s a great way to bring the message of this Sunday’s readings to life in a memorable and enjoyable way.
The Book of Ecclesiastes: A Struggle for Meaning
In Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 2:21-23, the Teacher speaks from a place of deep reflection. He sees the endless cycles of work and the shortness of life and declares it all “vanity.” This passage is part of the book’s larger theme: the search for meaning in a world that often feels empty. Ecclesiastes questions the value of wisdom, toil, pleasure, and success when all of them seem to end in the same place—death. The Teacher’s voice is honest and discontent, inviting readers to wrestle with hard truths.
This reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C fits into the larger message of Ecclesiastes, which challenges people not to place ultimate hope in human effort or possessions. The book points beyond itself, suggesting that purpose cannot be found only in this world. It prepares the heart to seek something greater than what can be gained or lost.
Psalm 90: Teach Us to Number Our Days
Psalm 90 offers a prayerful response to the fleeting nature of life. It reminds us that God is eternal while human life passes quickly, like grass that withers. This psalm is attributed to Moses and is the only one linked to him. It fits with the themes of humility and dependence on God that run through the Torah. The psalmist does not despair but turns to God, asking for wisdom, compassion, and blessing.
This psalm chosen for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C connects well with the message of Ecclesiastes. Both speak of life’s limits, but Psalm 90 turns those limits into a prayer. It does not end in frustration, but in hope. The psalm’s closing lines ask that God give meaning to our work and show us kindness. It’s a reminder that God’s presence makes our lives valuable, even in their brevity.
The Letter to the Colossians: Seek the Things That Are Above
In Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11, Paul urges the Church to set their hearts on what is above. The letter to the Colossians emphasizes the full sufficiency of Christ. This reading reminds believers that life in Christ is a new reality. Earthly attachments and sinful habits are part of the old self, which must be left behind. Paul calls the community to live out their baptismal identity in practical ways.
For the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this reading shifts the focus from earthly gain to spiritual renewal. It fits with the message of Ecclesiastes and the Gospel, challenging believers to see through the illusion of worldly success. Colossians highlights unity in Christ and a life rooted in the image of the Creator. The goal is transformation, where Christ is all and in all.
Read more about Paul’s message in the Letter to the Colossians.
The Gospel of Luke: The Rich Fool and the True Treasure
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells a parable in response to a man demanding help with an inheritance. Jesus refuses to settle the dispute and instead warns about greed. The rich man in the story stores up goods but dies before he can enjoy them. The point is clear: treasure that is hoarded is not lasting. This fits with Luke’s overall concern for justice, humility, and care for the poor.
The Gospel for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C ties together all the other readings. Like Ecclesiastes, it shows the emptiness of wealth. Like Colossians, it points to something higher. Luke’s Gospel often warns against the danger of riches and highlights God’s concern for those in need. This parable is a call to examine our hearts and to become rich in what matters to God.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 3, 2031
- Memento Mori (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- All Things Must Pass (Bishop Robert Barron)
- The World So Freely Given (Order of Preachers)
- Let Go of What Doesn’t Last (USCCB)
- Don’t Fall for This Trap! (Dynamic Catholic)
- You Can’t Take It With You (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Where Is Your Heart? (Jeff Cavins)
- The Fool’s Vanity (Scott Hahn)
Memento Mori
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to live with the end in mind. Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the Latin phrase memento mori—remember your death—and how it can shape how we live each day. He shares a story from his youth about a painting of St. Francis holding a skull, which helped him realize that life is short and everything in it will pass away.
Fr. Mike Schmitz says we should not give up or despair. Instead, we should remember that we already died in baptism and now live for Christ. He explains how to “put to death” the selfish parts of us—especially in how we treat others, use things, and speak. He ends with a powerful prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola, asking God to take everything and give only His love and grace in return. That, he says, is enough.
All Things Must Pass
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that nothing in this world lasts forever. Everything we have—possessions, success, praise—will one day disappear. Life is short, and we can’t hold onto anything. Like the old song says, all things must pass. Scripture tells us not to cling to these things, but to live with detachment and keep our focus on what really matters.
Bishop Barron says we should enjoy the good things in life, but not let them control us. The goal is not to reject the world, but to love it wisely, with our hearts fixed on God. He points out that in heaven, only love remains. Faith and hope fade when we see God face to face, but love lasts forever. That’s the treasure worth storing up. When we let go of what won’t last, we find what will: God’s love and the joy of heaven.
The World So Freely Given
Fr. Gregory Heille, in his reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, warns against greed and selfishness. He reminds us that life is not about collecting more things. God gave us this world and each other as a gift. We are meant to care for creation and share it with love and fairness.
Fr. Heille says greed harms people, relationships, and the earth. It goes against the image of God we are meant to reflect. Instead of taking more, we are called to give more. He encourages us to raise our children to live with generosity and respect for others. He prays that we have the courage to expect this in our homes and communities.
Let Go of What Doesn’t Last
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that possessions don’t last forever. We can’t take them with us, and someone else will eventually have to deal with our stuff. Scripture calls us to focus less on gathering wealth and more on what really matters. Coheleth says that everything is vanity. St. Paul urges us to seek what is above and let go of things that keep us tied to the world.
Fr. Greg Friedman shares how this message hits close to home. Even as a friar, he admits to holding onto too much. He reflects on the deep contrast between his life and those with almost nothing. The gospel warns against storing up riches while forgetting God. Fr. Friedman encourages us to examine what we have, what we need, and how we can use what we’ve been given to help others. Let the word of God lead us to real change.
Don’t Fall for This Trap!
The message for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to be careful about what we focus on and desire. Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who stores up wealth but forgets what really matters. He dies before he can enjoy it, showing us that life is not about having more things. Jesus also gives a warning: beware of what you look at, because what we see can lead us to want things we don’t need.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how easily we get pulled into distractions or things that are not part of our mission. He points out how Jesus sets boundaries and stays focused on what the Father sent him to do. The phrase “rich toward God” stands out. Matthew invites us to think about how generous we are with God. He encourages us to give our time, our hearts, and our lives back to God with love.
You Can’t Take It With You
In this homily for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the need to detach from worldly goods and focus on what lasts. He explains that wealth, honor, and material success are temporary and can distract us from our true purpose. Using Ecclesiastes, the Gospel parable, and St. Paul’s advice, Bishop Barron encourages us to hold possessions lightly and live with generosity. True treasure lies not in wealth but in what we give away. He reminds us that only love and self-giving are carried into eternal life.
Where Is Your Heart?
In his reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jeff Cavins focuses on the choice between earthly treasures and heavenly rewards. He explains that true fulfillment comes from seeking God, not material wealth. The readings from Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and Luke warn against relying on possessions, encouraging us to build our treasure in heaven instead. Cavins reminds us that Jesus is the real treasure, and investing in our relationship with Him brings lasting joy. He invites us to focus on heavenly rewards by prioritizing faith, generosity, and love over temporary riches.
The Fool’s Vanity
In this reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn encourages us to place our trust in God rather than in possessions. He reminds us of the Israelites’ journey and warns against the mistakes they made by testing God. Like the rich man in the Gospel, greed and worry can distract us from faith. Hahn explains that trusting in wealth is a form of idolatry, as it places value on earthly things over God. Instead, he calls us to treasure the new life we have in Christ and to seek the promise of heaven.
Reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
On the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings encourage us to examine our lives and consider what truly matters. They challenge us to see beyond wealth, success, and material comfort, reminding us that lasting joy comes only from God. Through Ecclesiastes, Colossians, and the Gospel of Luke, we are invited to let go of worldly concerns, focus on God’s purpose, and live with faith, love, and gratitude.
The Emptiness of Relying on Wealth
The first reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that chasing after wealth and success alone can feel empty. Ecclesiastes describes how our accomplishments and hard work may bring satisfaction, but only for a while. Earthly things, no matter how much we gain, eventually lose their meaning. We might find ourselves asking, “Is this really all there is?”
This reading challenges us to think about what truly fulfills us. Material success, money, and achievements might seem important, but they are not lasting. They can make us feel good temporarily, but they cannot give us real purpose. True purpose comes from living for something greater than ourselves—living for God. When we put our faith in God, we find that our lives feel fuller and more meaningful.
This call from Ecclesiastes teaches us to build our lives around things that last. Loving God, serving others, and acting with kindness are the real riches in life. By letting go of our attachment to worldly success, we open our hearts to what God has in store for us. The message for this Sunday encourages us to focus on God’s purpose, finding peace and joy in what really matters.
Choosing to Live for Eternal Life
The second reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to live for what is eternal. Paul tells us to set our hearts on things above, meaning on God’s kingdom. This calls us to live with faith, love, and kindness, reflecting God’s teachings in how we treat others. When we act with honesty, compassion, and forgiveness, we are living beyond just the present moment.
Paul’s message helps us to think about what it means to follow Christ in our daily lives. Living for eternal life does not mean ignoring the present, but rather bringing God’s values into everything we do. We live with faith by being patient, by showing love, and by putting others before ourselves. In this way, we prepare our hearts for eternity.
Each day, we have a choice to focus on things that last. By following God’s path, we find that our lives become richer in love and purpose. These actions don’t just affect us; they also inspire and bless others. The message of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to make choices that lead to a life of true, lasting joy with God.
Letting Go of Greed
In the Gospel for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus tells a parable that warns us about the dangers of greed. He describes a man who stores up many possessions, thinking he has secured his future. However, his wealth is ultimately meaningless, and his life ends with nothing to show for it. The parable teaches that greed can lead us away from God and isolate us from others.
Greed makes us focus only on ourselves, which keeps us from truly loving others. When we become consumed by a desire for more, we may lose sight of what God wants for us. Greed pulls us away from the happiness that comes from caring and sharing. Jesus calls us to let go of greed so that we can open our hearts to others and to God.
The Gospel this Sunday encourages us to place our trust in God rather than in material things. By letting go of our desire for more and choosing to live simply, we can find peace. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what we have, but it reminds us that God, not wealth, is our true source of joy. The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to find that joy by putting God and others first in our lives.
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to reflect on where we place our trust and what we value most. These readings remind us that God’s love and purpose offer real fulfillment, far beyond what the world can provide. By seeking God’s kingdom first, we open our lives to lasting peace, joy, and a deep connection with Him.
Prayer
Lord, help us let go of worldly worries and seek Your love above all else. Remind us to live simply, with kindness and trust in You. Guide us to focus on what truly matters and to find joy in Your presence each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- What do you think it means to rely on God rather than on wealth or success?
- How can we find lasting purpose in our everyday actions?
- What is one way you could focus more on eternal values this week?
- How does greed or selfishness affect your relationship with God and others?
- How might you simplify your life to open more space for God?
- What can you do to place more trust in God during difficult times?
- How does it feel to think of life as a journey toward eternal life with God?
- What blessings or joys have you received that go beyond material wealth?
- How can you show kindness and compassion in small ways this week?
- What do you need to let go of to find true peace and fulfillment?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Holding On or Letting Go?
This vivid image of hands grasping and releasing coins captures the message of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. It is a great visual for parish bulletins, newsletters, or reflection pages. Download this artwork to help spark thought and prayer about what truly matters in life.
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It makes no sense to accumulate if one day we will die. What we must accumulate is love, and the ability to share, the ability not to remain indifferent when faced with the needs of others.
Pope Francis
Music Suggestions for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 3, 2031
These music selections reflect the themes of trust, humility, and the search for true purpose found in the readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Many of the songs emphasize the importance of setting aside worldly concerns and seeking God above all. These songs help draw our hearts to God and encourage us to find our rest in Him alone.
- A Rightful Place by Steve Angrisano
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell
- Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad
- Beautiful Things by Gungor
- Belong to You by Stephen McWhirter
- Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
- Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today
- City of God by Dan Schutte
- Come as You Are by Crowder
- Come to Jesus by Josh Blakesley & Sarah Hart
- Empty by Tom Booth
- Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster
- Forever by Chris Tomlin
- I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson
- If Today You Hear His Voice by Jesse Manibusan
- In Christ There Is No East or West by William A. Dunkerley
- Lead Me, Lord by John D. Becker
- O Beauty, Ever Ancient by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Our Life Is Hidden with Christ by Bob Hurd
- Restless is the Heart by Bernadette Farrell
- Seek Ye First by Karen Lafferty
- This Alone by the St. Louis Jesuits
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they bring out the message of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Feel free to try these pieces and suggest your own choices in the comments. Let’s share ways to bring these themes of faith and trust to life through music!
Questions and Answers
What is the main message of the first reading from Ecclesiastes for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The first reading reminds us that relying on wealth or achievements alone can feel empty. It shows us that only God can give lasting purpose and meaning in life.
How does greed separate us from God?
Greed can make us focus only on ourselves, which blocks us from truly loving God and others. When we let go of greed, we can open our hearts to care more for others and live with peace.
Why does Paul talk about focusing on what is above in the second reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Paul encourages us to set our hearts on God rather than on earthly things. This means we should prioritize faith, kindness, and compassion, focusing on the values that lead us toward eternal life.
What does it mean to live for eternal life?
Living for eternal life means focusing on God’s teachings and living in ways that reflect faith and love. When we act with kindness, honesty, and forgiveness, we are choosing to live for something beyond just the present.
What does the Gospel parable for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach about wealth?
The parable in the Gospel warns us against storing up possessions and riches for ourselves. It reminds us that our true treasure lies in our relationship with God, not in the things we own.
How can I find security in God rather than in money or success?
Placing our trust in God gives us peace that material wealth cannot provide. We find security by building a relationship with God, knowing that His love will sustain us through everything.
Why is selfish ambition called foolish in these readings?
The readings show that selfish ambition makes us focus on our own goals instead of God’s will. This attitude can harm our relationships with others and block us from experiencing real joy and purpose.
How can these readings from the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us find joy?
They remind us that true joy comes from God and from loving others. By seeking God’s presence and focusing on what is eternal, we can find peace and joy that last.
Choosing What Really Matters
On the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings call us to reflect on what we value most in life. The first reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that focusing on material success and wealth can feel empty. Earthly gains may provide comfort, but they cannot give lasting joy. This reading asks us to look beyond temporary success and seek purpose in God.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages believers to focus on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns. This means making faith, love, and compassion our priorities. Paul’s message is clear: real happiness and peace come when we live according to God’s values. By letting go of greed and selfish ambition, we can live with purpose and hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a man who hoards wealth for himself, only to realize too late that it has no true value. Jesus warns against the temptation of greed and teaches that our lives are not measured by what we own. Instead, He calls us to find security and peace by trusting in God, who offers us what money cannot.
These readings from the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourage us to choose what really matters. They remind us that true security is found in God’s love, not in possessions. By living with faith and focusing on the eternal, we can find peace, joy, and lasting purpose.
Your Turn
Consider the readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C and think about how they speak to you. These passages encourage us to focus on God’s love rather than on wealth or material things. Have you felt the need to simplify and put your trust in God? How have these readings inspired you?
Share your reflections in the comment section and let’s encourage each other to live with purpose and faith.
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