18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21)
Today’s
Gospel parable is typical of the great parables found in Luke: vivid,
insightful, and at the same time, concise. It is commonly interpreted as a
warning against greed—that is, the excessive desire for wealth. However, its
criticism goes far beyond the accumulation of money. In just 131 words, we find
a sober critique of hedonism, excessive ambition, selfishness, and the idolatry
of wealth. Let’s examine each of these vices more closely.
Jesus
himself links the rich man in the parable to greed. Perhaps the best-known
example of this vice is the mythical King Midas. We recall how Midas loved gold
so much that, as a favor promised by a god, he asked for a “golden touch.” Upon
receiving it, everything he touched turned to gold—even his beloved daughter!
It is true that gold and money are very useful for obtaining material goods.
But not everything can be bought. As the Song of Songs says, “Were one to offer
all he owns to purchase love, he would be roundly mocked” (Song of Songs 8:7).
The rich
man wants to accumulate wealth in order to have a life of ease. He says to himself,
“Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest,
eat, drink, be merry!’” There is nothing wrong with rest, good food, or even
enjoying a drink—what many consider “the good life.” But when these pleasures
are pursued as ends in themselves, they point to a disoriented life. That’s why
we should be concerned when our loved ones only talk about the cruises they’ve
taken and those they have planned. Pleasure is part of life, but life’s purpose
is greater than simply seeking enjoyment. A better conception of “the good
life” is “meaningful relationships, personal growth, and participation in
activities aligned with one’s values” (from the Internet).
Ambition,
too, may be considered a vice, especially in light of the first reading. However,
a qualification should be made. The preacher of Ecclesiastes seems to have
excessive ambition in mind when he delivers his critique. If only rising early
to fulfill our duties were a sin, many of us would be condemned! But the preacher
is referring to that kind of ambition that leaves no room for family, health,
and certainly not for God. The rich man proves himself unduly ambitious when he
plans to build new barns at the first sight of his abundant harvest.
Above all,
the farmer reveals the vice of selfishness. He only thinks of himself. He even
speaks only to himself. He makes no consideration of sharing his abundance with
his workers, neighbors, or the less fortunate around him. St. Augustine
described original sin as “homo incurvatus in se”—man curved inward upon
himself. The rich farmer provides a good example of the unredeemed human. The
fruit of the earth is a gift from God meant to alleviate the needs of all. The
farmer should have considered how to deal with his harvest according to a just
concept of the common good.
Closely
linked to selfishness is the worship of wealth—what has been called “practical
idolatry.” This too infects the human heart. Instead of thanking God for their
blessings, many people think only of growing their riches. It is a widespread
sin. It is reported that roughly the same percentage of Americans play the
lottery as attend church at least once a year.
We might
consider the advice in the second reading as a remedy for these sins: “Think of
what is above, not of what is on earth.” From above, we receive generosity in
place of greed. We recall how Jesus tirelessly preached and healed those who
came to him. From above, we see Jesus—“the Way, the Truth, and the Life”—as the
model of the truly “good life.” We
encounter him in the sacraments and in personal prayer. From above, we witness
the humility by which the Son of God became human to redeem us. And finally,
from above comes the virtue of religion, through which we thank God for our
lives. We recall how Jesus would often withdraw to be alone with his Father in
prayer.
Let us also
remember St. Peter, when the beggar at the temple gate asked him for alms.
Peter said he had neither silver nor gold, but something more precious. Then he
healed him in the name of Jesus Christ. The Lord remains our greatest treasure,
more valuable any other thing.
