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Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ‘What am I to do, Jesus?’ |
Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 147, Luke 12:16-21
In this week’s gospel, a rich farmer thought he would build bigger and better barns to accommodate all the excess grain and goods his farm produced. Then once he’d stored up enough to last for years to come he could ‘eat, drink, and enjoy’ himself. But God said to him, ‘You fool! Tonight you will die. Then who will get what you have stored up?’
In the early Christian church, members shared their wealth so that everyone’s needs could be met. Through this parable, Jesus is telling us that money and possessions do not make us rich in the eyes of God. The goods of the earth are essential to our survival, but they do not satisfy the deepest longings of the human spirit. The underlying issue is about the futility of a life spent amassing material possessions.
What opportunities do we have in our community to share and care for other people? Are we able to recognise where the true needs or priorities around us are? Is there room for us to give or share our time, a smile, a chat, or a helping hand?
As disciples of Christ we discover that through our words, actions and commitment we can pile up the treasures of heaven in our midst right now.
Markelle Ward – ADRS – Garin College.