Eighteenth Friday of Ordinary Time

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.

God isn't telling us that seeking profit or gain is wrong. He is telling us that seeking these things to the point of forfeiting our lives, our morals, and our faith is what is wrong. Many people seek profit for its own sake, which is greed and leads to corruption. However, if we seek profit and gain in order to better know, love, and serve God and others, then we are less likely to go astray because our motives are not selfish, but rather focused on love and charity. God will repay us in kind for all we've done and failed to do, so we should do everything in our powers to do the good and right thing and seek spiritual wealth over and above earthly wealth.

Are we focused on building up a spiritual treasury or a worldly one? Are we forfeiting our lives in the pursuit of selfish interests? How can we conduct ourselves in a manner that will lead us to eternal life rather than death?

O Lord, let our profits and gains be ones that lead us closer to you in spirit and truth.

Amen.