October 17.  “Just like in families, don’t we often want to tell God what to do in our prayers.  Like, “Mom tell John to give my ball back.”  “Dad why don’t you tell Minnie she has to share the TV. It’s not all hers.”   “And what would happen in families if Dad or Mom said what Jesus did about possessions? There really is no straightforward easy answer. We need to learn wisdom in our daily lives too.”

Scripture: “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.”  Jesus replied, “Take heed and beware of all covetousness for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-21.  Pope Francis:    Equal consideration needs to be given to the growing danger represented by an extreme individualism which weakens family bonds and ends up considering each member of the family as an isolated unit, leading in some cases to the idea that one’s personality is shaped by his or her desires which are considered absolute. AL 33. In the family we receive an integral education which enables us to grow harmoniously in personal maturity. LS 213