Bishop Tobin on Our Most Important Inheritance

"Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, 'Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.'  

"Jesus replied to him, 'Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?'  (Lk 12: 13-14)

"This incident in the Gospel points to a situation that, sadly, we often encounter today. Someone dies - a parent or grandparent, an aunt or uncle - and the survivors fight over the will, the inheritance they believe is rightfully theirs. How many families have been torn apart by this scenario! When this situation arises, it's good to remember what Jesus said to the crowd: 'Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions.' (Lk 12:15) 

"But my point today is that whether parents are rich or poor, the most important thing they can leave to their children is the gift of their Catholic Faith. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on children who reject the faith of the parents/grandparents and on the importance of continuing to give good example and praying patiently for the wandering sheep of their family.

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: Our Most Important Inheritance (3 NOV 22)