Word to the Wise
Monday, October 23, 2017 - Monday in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rom 4:20-25 and Luke 12:13-21]"Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, life does not consist of possessions." [Luke]
I once read these lines somewhere, "Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?" Friends of mine have recounted their experiences in "downsizing" after their children are grown and they decide to move to a smaller place. Every object that is "downsized" seems to have a story. And there are some objects whose presence simply cannot be explained! It's not just friends of mine that this applies to. It certainly applies to me! I have moved often since I became a Dominican friar in 1964. Each time, it meant leaving something behind - letting go of a story. However, the "rich fool" in the vivid parable in today's gospel scripture was not "downsizing." He was UP-sizing! His security was in his physical possessions. The lines quoted above begin the parable, but Jesus' comment at the end is: "Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God." The rich fool's possessions could not guarantee him a single day of life.
We will all have our struggles with our "stuff." It helps to put each thing in perspective. Do I need this, or do I just want it? Why do I need it or want it? Does a new cell phone make me a better person? Will a new car get me to heaven quicker (or will I enjoy it long enough?) How does any of my "stuff" help me grow richer in the things that matter to God? AMEN
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