When Success Is No Longer Enough

Reflection Date: July 08, 2026 | Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; Matthew 10:1-7

Children of God:
This guy is trending today!

Scott Vincent Borba built a successful career in the business world and became known as the co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics, a company that achieved tremendous financial success. 

He enjoyed a glamorous corporate lifestyle surrounded by wealth, influence, and opportunity. 

Many people admired him because he achieved what others only dreamed about in terms of money and status. 

Yet deep inside, Scott Vincent Borba sensed that something was still missing. 

Despite success, he felt called toward a different kind of purpose and fulfillment. 

Eventually, he made a shocking decision that surprised many people around him. 

He stepped away from his luxurious lifestyle, gave away much of his wealth, and entered seminary formation. 

Crazy, right?

Instead of continuing to build a business empire, Scott Vincent Borba chose to dedicate his life to serving God and people. 

And yes, Scott Vincent Borba was later ordained as a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Fresno in California. 

His story reminded many people that success alone could never fully satisfy the deeper hunger of the human heart.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus called twelve ordinary men and entrusted them with a mission. 

These disciples were not famous scholars, wealthy leaders, or powerful politicians. 

They were fishermen, tax collectors, and simple workers with weaknesses and limitations. 

Yet Jesus gave them authority to heal, preach, and serve others. “

What are our inspirations for today?

First, a meaningful life is greater than a comfortable life.

Many people today spent years chasing financial security, recognition, and personal achievement. 

Society constantly taught people to measure worth through salary, possessions, and status. 

Yet even successful individuals sometimes quietly experienced emptiness and restlessness. 

The story of Scott Vincent Borba reflected this reality clearly. 

Wealth and comfort alone could not answer the deeper longing of the soul.

The disciples whom Jesus called did not appear impressive by worldly standards. 

Some lacked education, influence, and social prestige. 

Yet Jesus still entrusted them with an important mission. 

Their value did not come from titles or accomplishments but from their willingness to follow Him. 

Christ saw potential where others only saw ordinary people.

Many people today also searched for meaning beyond routines and achievements. 

Some felt exhausted despite having stable careers and comfortable lives. 

Others realized that success without purpose eventually became hollow. 

The gospel reminded us that fulfillment grew not only from what we gained but also from whom we served and how we loved.

A meaningful life is greater than a comfortable life.

Second, God uses imperfect people to bring hope to others.

The twelve apostles were far from perfect. 

Some struggled with fear, pride, impatience, and doubt. 

One even betrayed Jesus later on. 

Yet Christ still chose them and sent them into the world. 

Many people today hesitated to serve because they focused too much on their weaknesses and failures. 

Some believed they lacked enough knowledge, talent, or holiness to help others. 

Yet the gospel showed that mission began not with perfection but with openness and trust. 

Jesus empowered ordinary people to become channels of healing and hope.

The disciples received authority to care for people spiritually and emotionally. 

“Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.” (Matthew 10:1). 

God continues calling people today to bring encouragement, kindness, compassion, and truth into the lives of others. 

Even small acts of goodness became part of Christ’s mission in the world.

God uses imperfect people to bring hope to others.

As we reflect today, do we measure success only through money, comfort, and recognition, or do we seek deeper purpose in life? 

Do we allow fear and insecurity to stop us from serving others and responding to God’s call? Do we believe that God can still use ordinary and imperfect people to bring hope and healing into the world?

Children of God:
Many people today achieved comfort and recognition yet still searched for deeper meaning and purpose. 

God continues inviting people to live not only for themselves but also for others.

Every person carried a mission to encourage, heal, guide, and love in simple ways. 

Christ still called imperfect individuals because His grace worked through human weakness. 

May we never become afraid to answer God’s invitation wherever He leads us.