Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Psalms 89(90); Colosians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21
Where is your treasure?
Dear friends, today is the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings today invite us to reflect upon the things that occupy most of our time. Are they things that will eventually earn us eternal life or eternal damnation? Even though one may not believe in life after death, everyone is quite certain about death. It is just inevitable and inescapable. However, we hardly think about the end; instead, we are swamped decorating our present lives. Do you care about what happens after you die?
The first reading strikes directly to the point. “Vanity of vanities…all is vanity.” The word ‘vanity’ here means worthless, trivial, or pointless. The long and short of this reading is that life on Earth is not eternal; it will definitely come to an end. The Hebrew word for vanity is hebel, which literally means “vapour” or “breath.” The question we need to ask ourselves is: Are the things that take the best part of my time, energy, and resources worth the expense?
Every day, people wake up to different pursuits. Some have things planned for the day, while others wait for life to happen. Some wake up to no plan at all. They live a reactive kind of life. They react to what comes their way. Those who are independent execute their own plans, and those who are dependent execute the plans of those on whom they depend. However, whether independent or dependent, every person with good judgment knows whether the enterprise that occupies his or her time is necessary and beneficial or not.
St. Paul, in the second reading, is urging us to look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, because that is the only place where we will find permanence. While we need to strive to lead decent lives here on earth, we should not lose focus on our ultimate destiny. We are invited to utilize the things of this life to build on the life to come. Jesus came to teach us that eternity is twofold. He said, “Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.” (Jn 5:29) Our faith in Christ Jesus must help us make the right choices and expend our energy to attain the desired eternity.
In the Gospel reading, as usual, Jesus employs a parable to describe the end of time. A man asked Jesus to help settle a property dispute between him and his brother. Jesus makes it clear that His mission is not to settle social disputes but to transform our hearts and align them with the Kingdom of God so that we can settle our disputes with love. Many people in the world are living in devastation because of the greed of a few. The urge for wealth, fame, and self-preservation makes people do horrible things to others. Honest people who work for the common good are few and scattered in our society. People steal from the poor to accumulate for a future they do not know. Vital public service projects and programs stall because of corruption and greed. Well-intentioned and passionate agents of the common good are frustrated by greedy and corrupt officials. It can be very frustrating when one wants to do good but cannot because of corrupt people in high positions. Social development gets delayed, and the poor and the marginalized continue to suffer. I ask myself, how do these people live with themselves? I realize that they are not even aware of the harm they cause because the system has suppressed their conscience a long time ago.
Jesus makes it clear that we are fools if we invest all our energy and effort in amassing wealth in this world. This doesn’t mean that we live as if there is no tomorrow, but rather be aware that our lives on this earth are perishable and that we carry absolutely nothing material with us when we depart. Death is the only equalizer, and God kept it a mystery from us intentionally. The following questions can help us reflect upon today’s Gospel: What really matters in this life? What is the most valuable possession on this earth? Does it matter where you end up after death? Do the material possessions that you have draw you near to God or far away from Him? Whose interest is it to be near to God? Do you avail your resources to those who do not have? Are you amassing worldly treasures while neglecting your relationship with God?
Dear friends, I invite you to reflect upon the things that occupy most of our time and see if they are leading you to the eternity you desire or jeopardizing it. The choice is totally individual.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 