Ephesians 2:1-10 / Luke 12:13-21
There are many famous paintings by famous artists.
These famous works of art are also expensive and they go by millions of dollars.
For example, the painting “Sunflowers” by Vincent van Gogh is priced at around US$100 million.
For those who appreciate these art pieces, they will understand the value.
For those who have little understanding and appreciation of those art pieces, they may wonder about the price.
In any case, no one would think of adding some other details to those paintings.
The first reading tells us this: We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it.
Yes, each of us is a unique and a special work of art, created by God Himself.
No one can add or subtract anything from us.
But we may think that we are not good enough, and so we begin to add things to make us more special and valuable.
It is like that rich man in the gospel parable who wanted to store up all his goods to feel secure.
Jesus taught us this: Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.
What we have or may not have does not enhance or reduce our dignity as God’s work of art.
What matters is that God loves us and that is all that really matters.