Today is Oct. 21, Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Lk 12:15).
The parable of the rich man who reaps a bountiful harvest is a story of abundance. He decides to tear down his barns and build larger ones, saying to himself, “You have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”
This man’s response to wealth is not one of thanksgiving or generosity, but one of self-indulgence. His focus is entirely on securing his own comfort and pleasure. And, ironically, hoarding material things only stokes his anxiety. In his blindness, he believes that earthly wealth will guarantee his peace, security and happiness.
God’s response to the rich man is swift and sobering: “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” The man’s wealth cannot save him from the reality of death, and all his carefully laid plans crumble in an instant.
What matters to God? It is not the abundance of our material goods, but the abundance of our hearts. Are we storing up treasure in heaven, or are we clinging to the passing riches of this world? True wealth lies in our relationship with God, in the love we show to others, in the way we live out the Gospel in our daily lives. That is the harvest we should be storing up.
A prayer to serve the Lord willingly:
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. Through our lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
My Daily Visitor spiritual reflections are a dose of daily Catholic inspiration from Our Sunday Visitor magazine.
Get these reflections in your inbox: Sign up here!
