Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Eccl. 11:2, 2:21-23 | Ps. 90:3-6, 12-14, 17 | Col. 3:1-5, 9-11 | Lk. 12:13-21
All of the readings revolve around the theme of “readiness for heaven.” The first reading tells us how foolish we are to work for material goods and property and then leave them behind to someone who has not worked for them. Paul tells the Colossians that Christ has come to save all. We are called to live lives which reflect the fact that all are “equal.” Some are not better because they have the right money, wealth, prestige, or culture. Christ is all and in all. Finally, Jesus tells the story of the rich man who had more grain than storage. He decides to tear down his present storage barns and build larger ones. Jesus tells us that this man was a fool because he had stored up goods rather than being sure that he lived a good life in order to store up for “his soul.” None of the readings tell us that material goods are bad. What they do tell us is that material goods should never be placed as “most important.” We should work to grow in relationship to God and keep God first.
Think about your possessions. How many would you give away willingly? Which ones are so important that you are unwilling to share with others. Take time to ask God to help you put God first and your possessions, second. How will you evaluate your progress?