Eighteenth Ordinary

Luke 11: 9

Speaking to the people, Jesus went on, “Take care! Protect yourselves against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”

Jesus tells the story of a rich man who tears down his sheds to build bigger ones, thinking he’s securing his future. But that very night, his life is taken. It’s a jarring reminder: life isn’t about possessions, but purpose. And as Catholic educators in Australia today, this parable hits close to home.

We may not be building new sheds, but we can fall into the trap of stockpiling the wrong things – data, results, reputation – while forgetting why we got into this in the first place. We’re called to form not just sharp minds, but full hearts. It’s easy to chase performance over presence, to teach content but lose connection. But Jesus asks more of us – to see each child as sacred, to lead with humility, and to trust that true success is measured in love, not outcomes.

Let’s be honest with ourselves: what are we building? Is it leading students closer to God? Are we storing treasures that last? This Gospel isn’t just a warning – it’s an invitation. To realign. To teach with Gospel courage. To focus on souls, not scores. Because in the end, it won’t matter how big our sheds were, but whether we helped others find their place in the kingdom.

So here’s the challenge: this week, do one thing that puts love before results. One act that reminds your students – and yourself – that they are more than what they produce. That’s how we build something that will last.