In the ancient world, receiving an inheritance was a make-or-break deal for the rest of one's life. Not getting his share of the inheritance he was entitled to could have possibly doomed this man to poverty. Was Jesus insensitive to this man's request to have his brother share the inheritance he had coming? It sounds that way.
Yet Jesus has a heavenly perspective. He is trying to persuade people to focus on what does not fade away. He is concerned with higher things (see Col 3:2). What matters to Jesus is so different than what humans spend so much time on: our security, wealth, etc.
At least five times in today's readings the word "rich" is used:
1) "There was a rich man" but he was ultimately labeled a "fool" by Jesus (Lk 12:16, 20).
2) Though one may be rich, one's life does not consist in possessions (Lk 12:15).
3) ...the immeasurable riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus (see Eph 2:7, RNAB).
4) "God is rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4).
5) Try to be rich in what matters to God (Lk 12:21), in contrast to the rich man, who grew rich for himself.
You cannot serve both God and money (Mt 6:24). You are rich because of Jesus (2 Cor 8:9). Spend your life building treasure in heaven (Mt 6:20).
| PRAYER: | Father, teach me to seek Your way of holiness (Mt 6:33). |
| PROMISE: | "He brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin. By this favor you were saved." –Eph 2:5 |
| PRAISE: | St. Isaac and his companions returned to save their torturers' souls. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College