Speaking to the people, Jesus went on, “Take care! Protect yourselves against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” (Luke 12: 15)

Jesus tells the story of a man who builds bigger sheds to store all his grain, thinking he can finally relax and enjoy the good life. But that very night, his life is demanded of him. It’s a jarring parable – not because the man is wealthy, but because he thinks his future is secure in what he owns. He’s so focussed on storing that he forgets about living.

As Catholic educators, we’re called to notice when we start doing the same. Not with gain, but with status, success, achievements, numbers, or even praise. In our schools, it’s tempting to celebrate the visible, measurable wins – top results, shiny programs, packed calendars. But Jesus reminds us that life doesn’t consist in the abundance of things. The real work is quieter, deeper, and longer lasting.

Are we forming students who know their true worth? Are we building a culture that values generosity, humility, and grace over competition or self-promotion? Do our staffrooms reflect the Gospel, or just the grind?

This week, ask your students or your team: “If success wasn’t about results or recognition, how would we know we are doing well?” Let the answers guide your next steps. Let’s be the kind of educators who build up hearts, not sheds. Let’s teach like we believe the real treasure is in love, not in storage.