EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
31st July 2022.
ECC 1:2; 2:21-23; COL 3:1-5, 9-11; LK 12:13-21.
Jesus addressed the parable of the Rich Fool to those who have an abundant supply of possessions and those who have few possessions. This is also addressed to us in order to save us from the anxiety associated with material acquisition. We live in time when everyone is bothered about financial security and stability. Often we are anxious about securing the future to the detriment of enjoying the present. Jesus is offering us a unique way, a Christian perspective out of this dilemma. He is telling us that certain things by their nature are enjoyed when shared. Sharing is part of what it means to be a Christian.
The first reading reminds us of a reality that is often difficult to accept. It is a fact that after labouring, toiling and acquiring, our wealth and possessions will be left for others who never worked hard for it. This is vanity and injustice! The natural tendency in us is to be selfish and self-centred with what we have. In the parable of the Rich Fool, the man was called a fool because he never saw beyond himself and beyond this world. The Christian perspective offers an alternative that will not change the reality but will bring joy to our hearts even when we are gone form this world. Sharing our resources is a better disposition that will bring us joy amidst this unchanging reality. The disposition to share is what is explained in the second reading.
St Paul advised the Colossians to look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Looking at Christ means looking at his life. He shared his life with us in the eucharist. The rich mysteries of his body and blood benefit us in every Holy Mass. By sharing his life, he accomplished his mission of proclaiming the word and the conversion of sinners. Sharing did not diminish the richness of the eucharist, rather it enriches us the more. When we share our resources through charity, we strike at a balance between toiling and acquiring. The anxiety caused by financial security and stability will vanish. Sharing of the earth resources is part of what we are called to be as Christians. Sharing has proved a better solution to the problem than selfishness and self-centredness. Sharing our wealth through charity will not exhaust it. Instead it will calm our nerves and give us a reason to live for knowing that we are promoting the good of humanity.
Fr Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.
