America Media is in Rome on pilgrimage Oct. 22-28. With Father Matt Malone as our guide, we’re exploring the center of the Catholic Church and the sites where the Society of Jesus has been living and working since the time of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Join us at our America Journeys website for a virtual pilgrimage as we offer reflections each day.

A reflection by pilgrim Tom Kolon 

Yesterday, I had the chance to serve as deacon for Mass in the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome. It was a beautiful liturgy on a crystal blue day shared with family and friends. What a joyous opportunity!

And yet today’s Gospel reminds us to not look inward at a peaceful life but rather to focus outward (Lk 12:13-21). That no matter how beautiful, useful or enjoyable objects of this life are, they will all pass in the blink of an eye. Thus we are urged to instead direct our thoughts and actions toward that which is most important: an eternal life with God.

Read the full reflection here.