Living in the Present: A Church-Centred Reflection on Ambition, Grace, and True Fulfilment

Introduction

In my recent homily, I shared the story of Jake, a skilled carpenter whose dream of building the perfect house became an all-consuming pursuit. Jake’s journey is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a mirror for our own lives, especially in a world that constantly urges us to chase after more—more possessions, more achievements, more status. As a Catholic priest, I see how this relentless striving can quietly erode our relationships, our health, and our spiritual well-being. Today, I want to explore the deeper lessons from Jake’s story, drawing on Scripture and the wisdom of our faith, to offer practical guidance for living more fully in the present, rooted in God’s love and grace.

The Danger of Living for “Someday”: Jake’s Story as a Modern Parable

Jake’s story is all too familiar. He poured his energy into designing his dream home, inspired by the best features he saw in others’ houses. Yet, as his vision grew, so did his isolation. He neglected his health, his work, and—most painfully—his relationships. The dream that was meant to bring joy became a source of emptiness and loss.

Key Insights:

• Ambition is not inherently wrong, but when it becomes the centre of our lives, it can blind us to the gifts of the present.
• Neglecting the present for the sake of the future often leads to regret, missed opportunities for connection, and spiritual dryness.
• Our dreams, if not surrendered to God, can become idols—good things that take the place of the best thing.

Actionable Advice:

• Regularly pause to ask: Am I present to the people and moments God has placed in my life today?
• Set boundaries around work and ambition to protect time for prayer, family, and rest.
• Invite God into your dreams and plans, asking for discernment and balance.

“Vanity of Vanities”: The Biblical Warning Against Chasing the Wind

The Book of Ecclesiastes famously declares, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” The Hebrew word havel—meaning vapour or breath—captures the fleeting, insubstantial nature of so many things we chase. The English “vanity” expresses the futility of building our lives on what cannot last.

Nuanced Reflections:

• Worldly pursuits are not evil, but they are temporary. Houses, careers, and possessions can be blessings, but they cannot bear the weight of our deepest hopes.
• The culture of “never enough” is spiritually exhausting. Advertising and media constantly tell us we are lacking, fuelling anxiety and dissatisfaction.
• Even the rich and successful often confess to a persistent emptiness. This is not a failure of effort, but a sign that our hearts are made for something more.

Actionable Advice:

• Practise gratitude daily. Name three things each day for which you are thankful, focusing on relationships and simple joys.
• Limit exposure to media that stirs up envy or discontent. Curate your environment to support contentment.
• Reflect on your own “vanities”—what are you tempted to build your life upon? Bring these honestly to God in prayer.

Jesus’ Parables: The Folly of Building Life on Self and Possessions

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells two parables that speak directly to our modern struggles. The first is of a rich man who plans for his own comfort, speaking only of “my soul” and “I will build.” His life is self-contained, lacking generosity or community. The second parable contrasts this with Lazarus, who suffers outside the rich man’s gate, ignored and alone.

Deeper Insights:

• Isolation is a spiritual danger. The rich man’s downfall is not his wealth, but his self-absorption and lack of connection.
• Generosity and community are antidotes to vanity. Sharing what we have—time, resources, attention—opens us to God’s grace and the needs of others.
• Neither man is condemned for overt evil, but for failing to love. The tragedy is not what they did, but what they failed to do.

Actionable Advice:

• Make a habit of reaching out to someone each week—especially those who may be lonely or overlooked.
• Look for opportunities to serve in your parish or local community. Service breaks the cycle of self-centredness.
• Examine your giving: does it reflect trust in God’s provision, or a desire to control and accumulate?

Paul’s Letter to the Colossians: Finding Our Identity in God

St Paul reminds us that our true identity is not found in what we own or achieve, but in Christ. God invites us into a life of freedom, creativity, and abundance that transcends worldly measures.

Key Takeaways:

• Our worth is not measured by possessions or status, but by God’s love.
• Surrender is not loss, but gain. When we give our hearts and dreams to God, we receive far more than we could ever build on our own.
• Creativity and abundance flow from trust in God, not from anxious striving.

Actionable Advice:

• Begin each day with a prayer of surrender: “Lord, I give you my plans, my hopes, and my fears. Lead me in your way.”
• Reflect on your gifts and how you can use them for God’s glory, not just personal advancement.
• Seek spiritual direction or a trusted mentor to help discern where God is calling you to deeper freedom.

Embracing the Present: Practical Steps for Church Communities

As a parish priest, I see the hunger for meaning and connection in so many hearts. The good news is that the Church offers a different way—a life rooted in the present, open to God’s grace, and rich in community.

Practical Recommendations:

• Cultivate a culture of presence in your parish. Encourage small groups, shared meals, and opportunities for real conversation.
• Integrate silence and reflection into worship. Give space for people to encounter God in the present moment.
• Celebrate the ordinary. Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones as reminders of God’s faithfulness in daily life.
• Preach and teach on the dangers of “vanity” and the gift of surrender. Help people name and release the idols that compete for their hearts.

Conclusion: The Invitation to Freedom and Grace

Jake’s story is a warning, but also an invitation. Will we continue to build our lives on the shifting sands of “more,” or will we choose the solid ground of God’s love, lived out in the present moment? The choice is ours, every day.

Let us give our hearts and dreams to God, trusting that He will lead us into true freedom, life, and the gift of grace. In doing so, we discover that fulfilment is not found in what we accumulate or achieve, but in the wonder of this moment—lived in relationship with God and one another.

May we, as a church, be a community that helps one another to live fully, love deeply, and surrender joyfully to the God who is always present, always enough.

If this reflection has resonated with you, I invite you to share it with your parish or small group, and to continue the conversation about what it means to live fully in the present, rooted in God’s love.