RBWords

     The current demonstrations around the world against corporate greed make today's gospel scripture all the more penetrating.  Before telling the story of the greedy and presumptuous farmer, Jesus makes this blunt statement:  "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."  The farmer in the story has a big harvest and decides to expand his barns to hold it and then feels that he is secure for the rest of his life: "Rest, eat, drink, be merry!"  Then God says what is quoted above!

     It is widely acknowledged that the current world financial crisis is based largely on greed and the desire to acquire more and more financial gains.  Since we are warned in the gospels that we cannot add a single year to our lives by acquiring material possessions, some think that justifies getting more and more so one can enjoy the present time more.  Or, like the farmer, they presume the possession of more material gains will ensure them a long rich life.  Neither, of course, is true.  But the acquisition of all this wealth by a relative few can and does make the life of the vast majority on this planet much more miserable and often much shorter because of starvation, disease or other correctable problems.  The advent of cell phones, "twitter," etc. now makes it possible to spread a protest around the world in a very short time.  Since the misery caused by financial greed is so widespread, the outcry is all the more widespread.  

     Jesus' admonition is as relevant as ever.  A single dire illness can bring all our material world to a screeching halt!  Would it not be more in keeping with our faith to make everyone else's life better than just our own?  That is central to Jesus' teaching!  AMEN