FEAST OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO – 31st JANUARY
January 31, 2024
MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 31st JANUARY
January 31, 2024
31 January, 2024
Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses. – Luke 12:15
Eternal Father, we thank you for being our source and supplying the smallest of our needs. We are greatly indebted to you for being our Refuge, our Shelter, our Provider and Dispenser of rich graces in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for being our Good and Merciful Shepherd and leading us to lush and green pastures, so that we want for nothing, nor have we any immoderate desire of possessing this world’s goods, either by unrighteous acts in procuring them, or by uncharitable aims for covering and obtaining the things of this life. We exalt and praise your Holy Name, for you are great indeed.
Lord, there is no measure of our days on earth and we would do well to focus on our spiritual growth and earn for ourselves the merits of your glory. With your Mighty hand, you satisfy the hunger and the thirst of every living thing. For what good are all the treasures of this earth if we lose the treasures of our heavenly home where we will live eternally? Thus, we need to guard and protect our souls from the lures of the evil one. For the happiness of life does not lie in the plentitude of what we possess, but in the normal supply of our needs and distribution of any excess to those who are in want.
We agree with your Word that our lives cannot be measured by how much we own. Hence, we will neither desire nor covet material wealth. We know we cannot serve two masters, so by faith, we will live our everyday life, knowing that life is much more than just food and our bodies are more than clothing. We need to seek the Kingdom of heaven, above all else, and live righteously, knowing that you will faithfully supply our needs, thus avoiding the giving of too much thought to what we shall eat, drink, or put on. By generously using our wealth to supply the needs of the impoverished, we will store up for ourselves treasures of good foundation for eternal life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
