18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C); 7-31-2022

Eccl 1:2;2:21-23.  Ps 95.  Col 3:1-5,9-11.  Lk 12:13-21

Deacon Jim McFadden

            During the early ‘60s, the folk-rock group, The Byrds, had a mega-hit called Turn! Turn! Turn!  which was adapted from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes.  I found the song to be riveting, which encouraged me to read the entire Book, which I found to be very strange.  It was strange because unlike the lyrics to the song, I found the rest, especially the 1^st chapter from which we get today’s reading to be a “Debbie Downer,” as it was an unrelenting treatment of the human condition. 

            The author is Qoheleth is a self-described old man who has seen it all, done it all, experienced it all.  He has enjoyed everything life has to offer: he is super-wealthy, he has accumulated knowledge, he is well respected by his peers, he has power to navigate through his life, and basically has enjoyed every creature comfort that can come his way.  But, given all of that, he has come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter.  Why not?  I think he realized  deep down that who you are is far more important than what you have.  The reason for that is relatively straight-forward:  the goods of the world will always pass and fade away because they are ephemeral, transitory , and finite.  Who we are is a matter of our moral and spiritual character.  It is a matter of soul.  In the opening chapters of Genesis, it is revealed to us that we are made in the image and likeness of God, which constitutes us to participate in God’s very Being and eternal Life.  Put simply, we are who we are in relationship to God, not in what we have.

            Now, the Gospel parable that Jesus tells us today is making much the same point.  Jesus effectively mocks the man who gives his allegiance to his wealth and security in the false assumption that they will bring him joy.  The man is not only wealthy, but his wealth is going to expand dramatically because he has had a good harvest.  So, what does he do?  He resolves to tear down his old barns and build bigger ones to store his added riches.  The man has built his life on several considerations: (1) the goods of the world are valuable; (2) the many years, a lifestyle, that it takes to realize his ambitions ; (3) his wealth will promote a sense of tranquility and unrestrained enjoyment.  Given all of these considerations, nothing is lacking.

            Au contraire  foolish  rich young man!  The word that God addresses to him nullifies his plans: “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you and the things that you have prepared, to whom will they belong? (Lk 12:20).  What Jesus is telling him is that God is not demanding you of your possessions, but you’re very life—who you are!  And, that demand is being made not in the distant future, but right here, right now.  This night, your soul, your heart, your life will be required of you.  “Thus” Jesus says, “will be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (v. 20c).  Instead of the “enjoyment of life”—i.e., the accumulation of the goods of the world—Jesus presents him with “surrendering his life; you will render your life to God.” 

            The end of the parable offers a stark warning.  We hear, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (v. 21).  It is a warning which reveals the horizon to which we are called to look.  Is my gaze on God or is it on the goods of the world?  To be sure, material goods are necessary and they are good!  But, they are means to live honestly and are not ends in themselves.  We know that we are using them appropriately if we do so according to God’s purposes, which always means being generous with them.  That is, we don’t keep them to ourselves, “building bigger barns,” but we share what we have and who we are with our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. 

            Today, Jesus invites us to take a realistic look at how wealth can enslave our heart and distract us from where our true treasure lies, which is the Kingdom of God fulfilled in Heaven.  Along this line, St. Paul also reminds us of this truth in today’s second reading.  It says, “seek the things that are above…Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2).

            Understanding these readings does not mean that we withdraw from our ordinary circumstances, but rather to exercise wisdom in putting our life into perspective by seeking the things that have true and eternal value: namely, justice, solidarity, welcoming others—especially the marginalized—fraternity, and peace—all the things that make up the true dignity of human beings, in which we strive to live the Great Commandment.  If we love God with our whole heart and soul and our neighbor as ourself, we will be grounded in what is ultimately Real.  Being attached to the goods of the world does not and cannot satisfy the desire of the heart, but causes more hunger.  Being addicted to the goods of the world is like eating a potato chip: you can’t stop just having one!  Such covetousness can never satisfy because we are made to be in right relationship with God and neighbor now and forever. 

            It is, therefore,  important for us to examine what we really love.  Love that is lived according to the Gospel is the source of true happiness, whereas the exaggerated and unrequited search for material goods and wealth is often a source of restlessness, anxiety, abuse of others, manipulation and domination.  Many wars begin with covetousness—just look at Ukraine.

            Today’s readings are so great!  Stay with them during the course of the week.  They all point to that question: who you are, matters infinitely more than what you have.  Read Ecclesiastes, Paul’s letter, and today’s Gospel again if you have any doubts.  What matters is who you are.  You are God’s beloved child created to rest ultimately in God’s love.  Amen.