Readings:
Ephesians 2:1-10
Luke 12:13-21
Reflection:
This parable follows the parable in Luke 12: 1-13 where Jesus tells us “Are not 5 sparrows sold two for a penny and yet not one of them is forgotten by God”
The parable of the rich fool is about trusting God and not on worldly things and that God can call us to himself at a time we least at expect. “Watch therefore for you know not what hour the lord comes” (Matt. 24:42-44)
The parable of the rich fool invites us to break down the narrow barns of selfishness and insensitivity and it exhorts us to build bigger barns of love and charity. The preoccupation of the rich and powerful, is how to keep doubling their wealth even oppressing the poor at the same time. It is a worry for us that unless we share our resources with the poor and needy, we shall be guilty of subjecting the poor to starvation and death.
Marketing wizards try to convince us of all the products we need to complete our lives and so we feel we never have enough eg. how many of us have to have the latest phones even though our old phone is good enough? Don’t allow possessions to possess you.
“There’s enough on this planet for everyone’s need but not everyone’s greed” (Mahatma Ghandi) Greed is not only about money, possessions, but also about wanting more power, control, recognition and fame.
Like the farmer we are tempted to think that large amounts of money and possessions etc stored up, will make us secure. No amount of wealth can protect us from death and judgement.
As St Benedict says “keep death daily before ones eyes” and Matthew 22:44 “You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect”
Elizabeth Buchel has worked as an educator and psychologist for many years. She is formed in Passionist and Benedictine Spirituality. Elizabeth is a Passionist Companion and has been a active parishioner of St Brigids Marrickville since 1985.