Gospel Reflection - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C

Luke 12:13-21

Our society is much like the rich man in today's Gospel. We have an abundance of stuff & live outside our means to collect even more stuff. Neighbors compete against one another to see who has the bigger, better, more expensive "toys". Look at the storage rental business -- they're thriving because people need extra space for their possessions. 

Passing some large, beautiful homes one day, my oldest son, about four at the time, asked if rich people were bad. I explained that having a lot of money or possessions doesn't make you a bad person, but what you do with them can. Yes, unfortunately there are those who have become greedy & refuse to use their gains on anyone but themselves. I told my son, though, that I would like to believe the majority use their wealth to help others. They donate to charities, help build hospitals & educational institutions, etc. They place their focus outside of their own little world, placing the needs of others before them.

In looking at the parable of the rich man (also referred to as the rich fool), he was not a bad man. He just had a misguided view of wealth & his priorities were askew. By building a larger storage system for his abundant harvest, he felt set for a long time. He'd have plenty to keep him well fed so he could "...rest, eat, drink, be merry" for may years. Little did he know that his life would end that very night.

Avarice is defined as the "insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain & hoard wealth." (dictionary.com) I think this definition fits Jesus' use of this parable. He exhorts His disciples & followers to get their priorities in order. Money & possessions might make us happy for a while, but that temporary moment can quickly fade as "bigger & better" catches our eyes. It's a cycle we can stop only when we reprioritize our lives, placing the source of true joy first -- the attainment of Heaven.

We can't take stuff with us when we die. Only what's found within us remains. We must cultivate a virtuous life & conquer those greedy tendencies that we all have. How do we do that? Focus on the virtue of generosity. Find ways you can share with others. Participate in donation drives for food, clothing, household items. School supply drives are in full swing this time of year. Give of your time to volunteer at church, food banks, etc. Reach out to help a family member, friend, or neighbor in need. 

Above all, place God first in your life. Set your heart's desires on what He wants for you. By following His path for your life, all else will fall into place & you'll be rich beyond measure -- rich in love & mercy, strength & grace!