Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Monday October 22, 2029
Faith and Riches in God
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the readings point us toward trust in God over anything else. Abraham believed God’s promise, even when it seemed impossible. His faith was counted as righteousness. Paul reminds us that this same promise holds true for us when we place our trust in the risen Christ.
The Gospel tells the story of a rich man who stored up grain for himself. He thought his wealth would give him peace and security. But his life ended suddenly, and his riches could not save him. Jesus warns us that true life does not come from possessions.
These readings invite us to reflect on where we place our hope. Abraham’s example shows us the strength of faith. The parable reminds us that wealth can disappear in a moment. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we are called to be rich in God instead.
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – Romans 4:20-25: Abraham trusted God’s promise without doubt, giving God glory. His faith was counted as righteousness. This principle applies not just to Abraham, but also to us if we believe in the resurrected Jesus.
- Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: The Lord has sent a savior from David’s lineage to free us. He has kept his promises made through prophets and to Abraham. We can now worship him without fear.
- Gospel – Luke 12:13-21: Jesus warns against greed, emphasizing that life isn’t just about accumulating possessions. He illustrates this with a parable about a rich man foolishly hoarding his wealth, only to die unexpectedly.
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For even numbered years see Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.
Luke 12:21
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings highlight faith, trust, and the dangers of greed. In Romans, Paul speaks about the faith of Abraham, and in Luke, Jesus warns against placing trust in wealth. These themes offer practical lessons for daily living.
- Faith in God’s promises: Abraham believed in God’s promise, even when things seemed impossible. In Romans, Paul shows how this faith was credited to him as righteousness.
- Righteousness through faith: Paul explains that righteousness is a gift from God to those who have faith. It is not earned by works but by trusting in Him, just like Abraham did.
- Trusting in God, not wealth: Jesus warns against greed and the false security of riches. In Luke’s Gospel, the rich man puts his trust in wealth, only to face sudden death.
- The danger of greed: Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool who hoarded wealth for himself. This shows how focusing only on material goods can lead to spiritual loss.
- Living for eternal things: Jesus calls us to focus on things that last, not just possessions. He reminds us that life does not consist of an abundance of goods.
- Humility before God: Both readings point to the need for humility. Abraham trusted in God’s power, and the Gospel shows the emptiness of trusting in oneself.
These themes help us remember to trust in God’s promises, not in material wealth. They encourage us to live humbly and keep our focus on what truly matters in life.
Reflection for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings from Romans and the Gospel of Luke invite us to reflect on faith, humility, and the dangers of trusting in material wealth. Abraham’s unwavering trust in God and Jesus’ warning against greed offer valuable lessons for our lives. These reflections help us understand how we can live out these teachings in practical ways.
Abraham’s Faith and God’s Promise
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the first reading from Romans speaks about Abraham’s deep faith in God’s promise. Abraham believed God, even when things seemed impossible. He had no reason to think he would become the father of many nations, but he trusted God completely. This faith made him righteous before God.
In our lives, we also face situations where it seems like there is no hope or no way out. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God, even when things do not make sense to us. God’s promises may not unfold the way we expect, but He is faithful.
Paul uses Abraham as an example to remind us that righteousness comes from faith, not from what we do. We cannot earn God’s love, but we can trust Him. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the message is clear: God rewards those who have faith, just like He did with Abraham.
The Rich Fool and Spiritual Loss
In the Gospel for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. The man focused on building bigger barns to store his wealth, thinking that his riches would secure his future. He trusted in his possessions and ignored his need for God. In the end, his life was taken, and all his wealth meant nothing.
This parable is a warning to us. We often get caught up in wanting more things—more money, more success, more comfort. But Jesus reminds us that material goods cannot save us. When we focus only on wealth and possessions, we lose sight of what really matters.
True security comes from God, not from wealth. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to look at where we put our trust. Do we put our hope in things, or do we rely on God to take care of us? This Gospel challenges us to let go of greed and focus on what lasts forever.
Humility Before God
Both readings for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 point to the need for humility. Abraham showed humility by trusting in God’s power rather than his own. He knew that he could not make God’s promise come true by his own strength. Abraham’s faith was rooted in recognizing that God alone could fulfill the promise.
In contrast, the rich fool in the Gospel lacked humility. He thought he could secure his future by his own efforts, without relying on God. His trust in himself and his wealth left him spiritually empty. This shows us that when we rely too much on ourselves, we forget how much we need God.
Humility helps us see that all good things come from God. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that trusting in ourselves or in material wealth is not enough. Like Abraham, we are called to be humble and place our trust in God’s power, not in our own abilities.
The readings for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of faith, humility, and keeping our focus on God. Abraham’s trust in God and the rich fool’s failure to do so offer a clear contrast. By reflecting on these themes, we can learn to trust God more deeply and live with greater humility.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in You as Abraham did, even when things seem impossible. Teach us to place our hope in You and not in the things of this world. Give us humble hearts that rely on Your strength and guidance in all that we do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God, as Abraham trusted Him?
- How can you avoid placing too much importance on material wealth?
- What does the parable of the rich fool teach you about where you place your security?
- How can you practice humility in your daily life, recognizing your dependence on God?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What’s in Your Barn?
Sr. Kathleen Gallagher reflects on our goals and desires. She recalls an acting teacher who warns students against chasing fame and money. That attitude misses the point. In faith, the same is true. We are called to a deep relationship with God, not to showy wealth. Possessions fade and need guarding. God invites us to be rich toward him instead.
She admires celebrities who use their wealth for others, but then turns the question on herself. How do we share what we have, even if it seems small? What is in our barn: more stuff, or grace, love, and prayer? She urges a reset of values and daily choices. Build a new barn filled with mercy and generous habits. This is the heart of Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1.
The Power of Boundaries
Matthew Kelly reflects on how Jesus shows the power of boundaries. When asked to settle an inheritance dispute, Jesus refuses because it is not His mission. He stays focused on what the Father sent Him to do. Matthew reminds us how easily we get drawn into things that are not ours to handle. Jesus teaches us to say no when needed and to stay faithful to our true purpose.
He also highlights two key lessons from this Gospel for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1. First, Jesus warns against covetousness, reminding us to guard what we set our eyes on, since desire often begins with what we see. Second, Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God.” Matthew challenges us to be generous with our time, love, and attention to God rather than storing up for ourselves. True treasure is found in giving freely to Him.
Living with Less
We often fill our homes and lives with too much. We have sheds, storage units, and overflowing closets, all telling us that more is better. But Jesus reminds us that true wealth is not found in possessions. It is found in how we live His word and care for others. Having things is not wrong, but using what we have to love and serve is what matters most.
Msgr. James Vlaun invites us to look at our lives with honesty and simplicity. He suggests a “cleanout” of excess to make space for faith, generosity, and peace. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, his message calls us to free ourselves from clutter—both physical and spiritual—and to seek the wealth that comes from God. By living with less and sharing more, we let God’s light guide our hearts toward true freedom and lasting peace.
The Things That Last
In a reflection for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that earthly things, no matter how beautiful or good, will eventually pass away. Using the example of a rich man storing up wealth and the fleeting beauty of a firework, he reminds us that everything in this world is temporary.
Bishop Barron encourages us not to be saddened by this but to focus on what truly matters—seeking the eternal things of God. Storing up treasure in heaven is the only thing that lasts.
Resources
The Letter to the Romans: Faith That Brings Life
In Romans, Paul shows how Abraham’s trust in God sets the model for all who believe. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we see Paul explain that Abraham’s faith was not just for his time. It was written for us too, so we know faith is what makes us right with God.
Romans reminds us that the heart of salvation is trust in Jesus, raised from the dead. This message connects to Paul’s wider theme of grace. We do not earn righteousness but receive it through faith. Abraham points the way, and Paul invites us to walk that same path of belief.
The Canticle of Zechariah: God’s Promise Remembered
The canticle from Luke 1 is part of Zechariah’s song, which praises God’s faithfulness. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this song shows that God’s plan is unfolding through Jesus. It celebrates freedom, mercy, and the keeping of promises first made to Abraham.
Luke’s Gospel highlights God’s care for the poor and His mercy for all. This song reflects those themes by rejoicing in God’s saving work. It reminds us that the covenant is alive and fulfilled in Jesus, who brings both freedom and worship without fear.
The Gospel of Luke: Life Beyond Possessions
In Luke 12, Jesus teaches that life is more than what we own. On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the parable of the rich fool shows the danger of greed. The man trusted his wealth instead of God, but death came suddenly, and his treasures could not save him.
This fits Luke’s larger message about the kingdom of God. Luke often warns against the false security of riches and points us toward sharing with others. True life comes from being rich in God’s sight, not in storing things for ourselves.
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A Candle Among Coins
This image for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 reflects the warning of Jesus in Luke 12: life is not found in storing up wealth. The flickering candle reminds us how short our days are, while the coins show the false security of riches.
Use this artwork in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry materials to spark reflection on true treasure in God.
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Questions and Answers for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What does faith mean in the first reading for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Faith means trusting in God, even when we cannot see how things will work out. In the reading, Abraham trusted God’s promise, and his faith was rewarded.
How can we apply Abraham’s faith to our lives?
We can learn to trust God like Abraham did, especially when things seem difficult or uncertain. We may not understand God’s plan, but we can believe that He will guide us.
Why does Jesus warn against greed in the Gospel for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus warns against greed because it makes us focus on money and things, instead of God. Greed leads us to store up treasures on earth, but these things cannot last.
What does the rich man in the parable teach us?
The rich man teaches us that wealth does not bring true happiness or security. He put his hope in his riches, but he could not take them with him when he died.
How can we avoid the danger of greed?
We can avoid greed by being grateful for what we have and trusting God to provide for our needs. Focusing on helping others also keeps us from being selfish.
What does it mean to store up treasure in heaven?
It means focusing on things that last forever, like love, kindness, and faith in God. These are more valuable than anything we can own or buy.
How can we put these readings into practice in daily life?
We can practice trusting God when we face challenges, like Abraham did. We can also make sure we do not let money or things control our lives.
Why is humility important in both readings?
Humility is important because it helps us see that we depend on God for everything. Abraham was humble before God, and the rich man lacked humility by trusting in himself.
Faith, Greed, and Trust in God
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings remind us about faith, greed, and trusting God. In the first reading, Paul speaks about Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promise. Even when things seemed impossible, Abraham trusted God, and his faith was counted as righteousness. This teaches us that faith is about trusting God, not just doing good works or following rules.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who hoards his wealth, thinking it will secure his future. But he dies suddenly, and all his wealth means nothing. Jesus uses this story to warn against placing too much trust in material things. He reminds us that life is not about accumulating possessions, but about focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God.
Both readings warn us about the dangers of greed and remind us to trust in God’s promises. Abraham’s faith was not in material things but in God’s power. The rich man, on the other hand, trusted in his wealth, only to find it empty when his life ended. We are called to focus on what truly lasts—faith, humility, and trust in God.
On Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are encouraged to live with faith in God’s promises, avoiding the trap of greed and putting our trust in Him instead of material wealth.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How can you strengthen your faith and trust in God’s promises?
Think about areas where you might be focusing too much on material wealth. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.