
In truth, the devil is a skillful trickster who willfully piles more things on top of our "many things". He only has one goal: to create a rift in our relationship with God, so that we will distance ourselves from God by choosing to serve the false master; in the end, we will be separated from God.
The endgame of the devil's ploy and innovations is this: he wants us to doubt God's unconditional love and desire to give us the best, and that God will provide us with everything we need. We are giving the devil’s ploy a boost when we lose our confidence in God.

Indeed, we cannot really take away anything from this world when we are gone, be it wealth, fame, social status, power, pleasure, or all the things that we have amassed. Everything will pass away, but only God and His Holy will will remain. Then, isn't our choice crystal clear?
We must remember that when we choose earthly things over God, not only are we separating ourselves from God and His love, but also from His grace. Contrarily, when we choose God and choose to do His will, His grace will overflow our life and the lives of those we serve.
Reflection

What rewards from the "many things" are you expecting that could not be replaced by eternal joy and blessings?
Would you be willing to change your course in life during Lent, so that you may make better choices?
TODAY'S PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that in my life, danger and traps abound. The devil's attack is relentless. I realize that now is the momentous time to fortify the boundary between the devil and me; but I also know that I am weak and passive. Do not allow me to surrender to my pride and believe that I can conquer the devil's ploy solely by myself. Help me to be close to You with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind, so that through Your Holy Name and authority, I may be able to vanquish the devil's attack, one step at a time. Send forth Your Spirit to light my path, so that I may follow His guidance. I trust that within You, nothing is impossible. For this I pray in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.