In today’s second reading St. Paul exhorts the faithful “to think of what is above, and not of what is on earth” (see Colossians 3:2). In fact, all of our Scriptures today speak loudly on this theme. In “the Parable of the Rich Fool” found in today’s Gospel, we are taught by Jesus not to place excessive values on fleeting material possessions (see Luke 12:13-21). The parable clearly illustrates that after this life the “things” we have amassed cannot go with us. And in a similar vein, the first reading reminds us that after our deaths, the fruits of our labors are usually left to others who themselves hadn’t toiled for them (see Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23). As we reflect on these ideas, we are challenged to adopt “other worldly perspectives,” even as we live and breathe in our present and very earthly lives.
So how do we live our present lives and at the same time have “other worldly perspectives?” It’s surely true that very few people are called to take strict vows of “poverty” and to live their lives as hermits separated from others and detached from all worldly concerns. The fact is that most people are very dependent on their material possessions, and on the money they need to flourish as members of families and social communities. And who among us hasn’t at one time or another worried about how to pay the next bill–this is certainly part our reality! So most would agree that it is good for people to be stress-free, productive members of society, and the recipients of many blessings, including those of a material nature! Who would fault those who hope for “things” that would enrich their lives, for the good fortune of economic success, and freedom from financial worries? And isn’t it true that the most economically successful among us are usually congratulated and admired by others, even by those who are the most devout Christians? And so the question remains: how is it possible to be “other worldly,” and firmly grounded in this life at the same time? And how do we as followers of the Lord Jesus strike a balance between the two?
We might consider that Jesus’ teaching really has little to do with those material “things” themselves. If this is the case, then I think, “worldliness” might actually have more to do with the attitudes and convictions people hold in their hearts about “things,” and how they might be unnecessarily driven to accumulate them. This being said, we might ask ourselves the following question: “Do we own our ‘things,’ or do they own us?” If we live for “things,” and the complimentary esteem we receive from others because of them, then our perspectives may never be able to see beyond the limited worldly plain upon which they might be found. Of course, each person must discern and understand his or her own attitudes and convictions about these “things,” and I think it’s obvious that every person’s situation is unique (what’s good for one, might not be good for another). And so, this discernment is a lifetime challenge and is required of all who seek to have “other worldly perspectives” in the way they live their lives in the here and now!
Jesus admonishes us to “take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (see Luke 12:15). As we contemplate this teaching, each one of us must look into our own hearts, and we must ask ourselves if we value material “things” more than those that are spiritual. As we reflect on this, and our ability to adopt “other worldly perspectives,” may we encourage each other with the message of today’s Scriptures!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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