Homily of Monday of the 29th week in ordinary time
Ephesians 2:1-10, Luke 12:13-21
Selfishness is displayed when we gather more than we need for ourselves and neglect the needs of others. When we begin to see beyond ourselves and beyond this world, we will start to know why God has favoured us with his bounty. When we know that life is short, we begin to understand the dynamics of succession. What we own will be passed on to others with time when we are no more. So, what is the essence of piling them up when we can share them with others while we are still alive?
To the man who approached Jesus demanding that he convince his brother to give him his own share of inheritance, Jesus told the parable of a rich man who, after a bountiful harvest, wondered where to store his crops. He decided to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and store all his goods, planning to relax and enjoy life. However, God called him a fool, saying his soul would be demanded that night, leaving his wealth for others.
There are no point amassing possessions that are not investments. We can invest, believing that it will bring more yields for greater productivity. But when we gather our returns and do not think of others, we are simply playing the fool.
Hard work pays. No sweat is personal. God is the author of all goodness. There are people who put in more effort than we do but get less. When life smiles at us, we must not think that we are better than others. Therefore, let us always think beyond ourselves and remember others anytime we experience the goodness of God.
What we cannot pass on to others are traps. Human resources are meant to be shared. May the Lord open us more to the horizon of his grace that we may truly see that in his light we see light. Amen.
