Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12:13-21

REFLECTION
Possibly the best, way to understand the underlying motives of the man’s request in today’s Gospel is to consider the story of the Prodigal Son. Under Jewish law, the first-born received as his birthright twice the inheritance received by any other member of the family. The eldest brother was responsible for the support of his mother and the unmarried sisters in the family. Usually the division of the inheritance took place at the father’s death, but there were occasions when the younger brother or brothers desired to be bought out - that is, they desired to receive their share of the inheritance before they were legally entitled to claim it. The Prodigal Son asked for his share and then departed to squander his possessions in a far country. It would appear from the test that the man in today’s Gospel had similar ideas. He was obviously covetous for the Lord used the occasion to warn the listeners against this sin. The Lord’s refusal to help the fellow made it more difficult for him to embark upon what might have been a life of sin. Life in its fullness means more than material prosperity. Some people are so poor they only have money. Sometimes a man’s overcrowded barns (or bodegas, stockrooms, bank accounts) are indicative of an impoverished soul.

The foolish man in today’s Gospel had too much ego in his life. His world was bounded on all sides by himself. He made three statements but in so doing, used the personal pronoun “I” six times and the possessive pronoun “my” five times. He was a self-made deity who worshipped at his own shrine. Nevertheless this story was told by Jesus that a contrast might be drawn between the man who possessing everything, enjoyed nothing, and the man who having nothing, could lay claim to unlimited wealth. Of all his assets, only one had any continuing value. His great crops would be gathered by others; his new granaries he would never see; the many years of which he so fondly dreamed would never arrive. His soul, alone, was destined to live on. Yet in the final analysis, he was not even master of his own house, for the messengers of God - the angels of death, were to visit his house that night. It was easy to appreciate the forcefulness of the Savior’s message for He had just been asked to assist such a man in obtaining a premature share of an inheritance. Sometimes, it is very dangerous to become wealthy!

Today’s Reading:  Eph 2:1-10

PRAYER
Lord, remind us that our true treasure is that which awaits us when we spend eternity with you.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.