1205 Old Mill Road, Blacksburg VA

Today marked a special moment on my journey of faith as I joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church for their online service, the 118th church I’ve been blessed to experience.

I had initially set out for a different service in person, but discovered upon arrival that the posted time was incorrect. However, I have learned that even our unexpected moments are purposeful in God’s plan. As Proverbs reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Today, God led me exactly where I needed to be, hearing precisely what my soul longed for.

The worship began with songs that touched my heart deeply. Lyrics filled my living room: “Rain down Your love on Your people…We find hope in God, God will protect us from darkness.” Another profound melody urged us: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart.” I felt an immediate stirring; the worship was preparing me to receive a powerful message, one that would linger with me long after the notes had faded.

Today marked the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Scripture readings aligned profoundly to deliver God’s message directly to my heart.

As Ecclesiastes warned, “Vanity of vanities…here is one who has labored,” I was reminded how easily we can chase after fleeting worldly gains, laboring tirelessly for things that offer no lasting fulfillment.

Then, as the letter of Paul to the Colossians was read, a clear call echoed within me: “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth… put to death what is worldly…Christ is all and in all.” In this reading, I felt God gently nudging me to let go of earthly attachments and to embrace a new self, clothed in the image of Christ.

The gospel reading from Luke took center stage, telling the parable of the rich fool, a man whose fields produced abundantly, leading him to tear down his barns to build larger ones, thinking his wealth would secure his happiness. Yet, God said, “You fool, this very night your life will be demanded from you; then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Deacon Rick beautifully unpacked this parable with profound simplicity: “You can’t take it with you.”

He shared deeply moving personal stories and even referenced a poignant Denzel Washington speech, reminding us clearly and powerfully, “Put God first in everything you do, because everything we have is only by the grace of God.” The truth of this pierced me deeply. How often do we forget that our lives, possessions, and abilities are not our own, they are gifts entrusted to us by God, and we are merely stewards.

The Deacon humorously went on with Denzel’s story, “You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse,” underscoring that no material possessions follow us into eternity.

He shared the example of Egyptians who filled tombs with treasures only to have them looted centuries later. This lesson resonated profoundly with me, what am I striving to accumulate that truly matters in eternity? Deacon Rick pressed further, posing the question, “What am I going to do with what God has entrusted me?”

Some of us have resources, others patience, kindness, or the powerful gift of long-suffering. But whatever it is we’ve been given, it is meant to be poured out generously in service and love. This challenged me: How am I loving my neighbor? How am I reflecting the generosity of Christ in the way I steward my resources, my talents, and my very life?

His stories captivated me, especially the one involving eggs, milk, and bread in a donation basket. (Be sure to ask him about it; it’s both humorous and deeply touching!) He invoked the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” highlighting the plaque on the wall in George Bailey’s father’s office: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.” Indeed, the things we give away, our love, our time, our compassion, our presence, these are the treasures that transcend mortality.

Father John Asare’s beautiful prayers and heartfelt singing added such warmth and spiritual depth to this service. Drawing near to Christ brings Christ ever closer to us. James 4 tells us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” I am constantly reminded that it is in His presence that we find true fulfillment, not in the material, not in earthly gains, but in the everlasting embrace of our Savior.

This message spoke intimately to my personal journey. God reminded me today that none of these worldly things hold eternal significance. I know personally what it is to chase after hollow treasures and be left empty. I know the ache of emptiness when we pursue worldly recognition rather than spiritual wholeness. I’ve walked the painful path of brokenness, and through this journey, God has been teaching me profound truths: love generously, give freely, forgive courageously.

I love the Lord deeply, passionately, completely. My heart overflows with gratitude because even in moments when I didn’t want to be kept, He held onto me. Even in my brokenness and struggles, He remained faithful. Every breath I take, every step of this healing journey, every moment of growth and restoration is all because of His love. This journey through 118 churches thus far has shown me that in every congregation, Christ reveals Himself uniquely, teaching me invaluable lessons about His Kingdom, forgiveness, love, and humility.

Today, St. Mary’s Catholic Church reinforced that my true inheritance lies not in accumulating possessions, but in extending compassion, sharing hope, and offering Christ’s love freely to others. These treasures, shared freely, are the only ones that endure into eternity.

I am deeply grateful for St. Mary’s Church and I eagerly anticipate joining in person soon. As I continue on this humbling journey, my heart echoes a prayer of thanksgiving:

Lord, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do in my life. Lead me to love without reservation, to serve selflessly, and to steward faithfully everything you’ve given me.

To those journeying alongside me, may we never forget the powerful, timeless truth: We only take with us what we generously give away.

I eagerly await the next step on this extraordinary journey, anticipating where God’s Spirit will lead me. All glory and honor belong to Him forever!