Readings:
Ephesians 2:1-10
Luke 12:13-21
Reflection:
In the first reading, Ephesians presents a profound reflection on grace, identity, and the transformative power of faith. It begins by reminding us of our former state – spiritually dead in our imperfections – sin. The Stark depiction of our lives before encountering Christ underscores the depth of our need for redemption and restoration of rightful relationships. It is a humbling reminder that, regardless of our achievements or status, we all share a common condition; that is the need for grace.
At the core of this passage is the incredible truth that our God, in His mercy, has raised us up with Christ. This is not a simple theological imperative but a radical declaration of our new identity. In a world that often defines us by our failures, shortcomings or societal roles, Ephesians invites us to embrace our identity as “beloved children of God”; elevated and given a place with Christ in heaven. This is a powerful affirmation of hope and belonging.
“Given a place in heaven”, further illustrates the intensity and profoundness of the relationship we have with God, It emphatically emphasises that our worth is not determined by our earthly circumstances but by our connection with the divine. This truth can be incredibly liberating, especially in a culture that often equates success with material wealth of social status. Instead, we are reminded that true value is found in our relationship with Christ and the grace that has been freely given to us.
Moreover, the end of the passage highlights that our salvation is not a result of our own efforts but a gift from God. This grace challenges and calls us to respond with gratitude and to live out our faith through good works and service of others. We are created for this purpose, to reflect God’s love and grace in the world around us. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are invited to share this transformative message with others, embodying the grace we have received.
In essence this passage challenges us to live as people who have been raised in Christ fully aware of the incredible gift of grace that shapes our life and purpose. Personally it adds another facet the the school motto of St Brigid’s Marrickville Alive in Christ and the Joachim Rego hymn “We are Church……yes the people of God …..Alive in Christ….”
The quote from St Irenaeus also comes to mind: “The Glory of God is Man fully Alive.” On this John Paul II commented, “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God.” In other words, to be a human being, alive and flourishing, means seeing God and being seen by God.
In the Gospel passage we encounter a powerful parable that speaks to the very heart of our human existence and our relationship with wealth. We see Jesus redirecting the focus of the conversation with rich man from the material concerns of this world – primarily from accumulated material wealth towards a more profound spiritual wealth and lesson.
The parable deeply resonates in our contemporary society where the pursuit of wealth often overshadows more meaningful pursuits. In being consumed by his wealth the “foolish man” neglects the spiritual dimension of his life.
The question posed in the parable, “To whom will all this wealth of yours go?” serves as a sobering reminder of the impermanence of material possessions. In a culture that often than not equates success with financial prosperity, this question challenges us to reflect on our priorities and on the legacy, we leave behind.
In our modern context, we see this parable echoed in the lives of many who chase after wealth, believing it will bring them wealth, happiness and fulfillment. The rich fool’s mindset is not foreign to us – it is easy to fall into the trap of equating self-worth with our financial status. We often measure our success by the size of our bank accounts, the houses and suburbs we live in, the cars we drive and the designer-label clothes we wear. The parable clearly illustrates that such pursuits can lead to emptiness.
In addition to this the rich man’s lack of insight into his own mortality serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. In a world that often prioritizes the accumulation of wealth, we are reminded that we are mortal and our time on earth is limited. The rich fool’s plans for the future are abruptly interrupted by his untimely death, highlighting the absurdity of storing up treasures for oneself without considering the greater purpose of life.
The parable challenges us to consider what truly matters. Are we living for ourselves or are we investing in something greater than our own comfort? The parable encourages a shift in perspective, urging us to think about how we can use our resources to make a difference in the lives of others rather than hording them for our own enjoyment. In a society that often promotes and glorifies individualism, the call to generosity and community is both revolutionary and necessary. The rich fool’s failure to share his wealth serves as a cautionary reminder for us. It challenges us to ask ourselves how we can use our wealth and resources to serve others, promote justice, and contribute to the common good
Furthermore, the parable challenges us to redefine our understanding of wealth. True wealth is not merely measured in financial terms but encompasses relationships, experiences and the impact we have on others. It challenges us to invest in relationships, cultivate community and seek fulfillment in ways that transcend material possessions.Michael Schiano has been a member of St. Brigid’s parish since 1990. As a parish member he has served on the Parish Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, Bereavement Team and is a member of the Passionist Companions. He has been an educator in the Archdiocese and has held positions in middle management and executive leadership positions. He currently works in Aged Care in the roles of Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator and Chaplaincy at Brigidine House, Randwick; St. Anne’s Hunters Hill; Pastoral Care Officer at Calvary Ryde.