Monday, October 21, 2019


Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Romans 4:20-25; Luke 12:13-21)

Original sin is said to have turned human nature in on itself.  This development has caused people to sin.  In today’s gospel parable Jesus relates how God looks on this dismal situation.

The farmer cannot be considered an evil person.  He does not extort much less assault anyone to gain his wealth.  However, he is not a good person either.  His fault is that he does not consider anyone but himself.  He seemingly produces his harvest by himself, builds his barns for himself, and even talks only to himself.  In no way does he mention his family or his workers or the orphanage in town where the food supply often runs short.  God is surely right in calling him a “fool” for allowing himself to become so extremely self-centered.

Most Americans today receive more money than they need to live.  We use the excess often enough in ways that can be termed frivolous.  We should take care that we are not being foolish by sharing the excess with those in need.