Reflections from the July 31 Gospel
Luke 12:13-21
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” This isn’t a message that gets much advertising. On the contrary, just about every advertised message we hear comes from someone who wants to make money by selling us possessions. In today’s culture, it’s hard to remember that life isn’t about possessions. But in this Gospel, Jesus reminds us that there is more to life. Unlike the fool who spends all of his time, energy, and money building larger barns, we should focus our resources on becoming “rich in what matters to God.” This means cultivating virtue instead of vice. It means sharing our money with those in need instead of hoarding it out of selfish greed. The call is a challenging one, and countercultural too. But Jesus never said that the Christian way was the way of the world. Instead of falling for the marketers’ messages, may we have the wisdom to store up our treasure in heaven.
Questions of the Week
Luke 12:13-21:
How does the parable of the rich
fool speak to you personally?
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23:
What role does “vanity” play in your life?
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11:
How do Paul’s words (“seek what is above”) challenge you?