Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Nature frequently reminds be about God and my relationship with Him. When I was taking my husband to the airport recently, I had the amazing opportunity to witness the lunar eclipse. The earth completely darkened the moon with its shadow. As I read today’s gospel, the memory of the eclipse reminded me that greed and earthly possessions can come between me and the light of God. I must remain turned to Jesus and learn from Him in order for me to continue to be in the light. If I want to be “rich in what matters to God,” then I must be Christ-like in all that I do.
In the pel reading, Jesus warns his listeners saying, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Luke 12: 14) I think that most of us recognize what greed looks like when it comes to material possessions. There is a striving for more things, better things, the newest editions, and the things that others want. But I think that many of us have also experienced that the thing that we so wanted, once we have obtained that item, it really doesn’t seem that great. And so we continue in search of more things.
There is an even more hidden form of greed- the greed to be known and admired. In the book “Sacred Fire” (Ronald Rolheiser) the author explains that this greed can be less obvious, but just as damaging. He explains, “What we hunger for ourselves is not so much houses, yachts, and fat bank accounts… Rather, what we want to accumulate is experience, status and reputation. … we want to be recognized for our good name, our achievements and our knowledge.” This type of greed certainly hits home for me. This is the kind of greed that puts all the emphasis on me and my honor. Although this kind of greed is not related to material possessions it is just as harmful, since it keeps me in the focus- not God or others.
So how do I live “rich in what matters to God?” If I return to the reflection on the eclipse, I remember that if I want to be light- then I must stay always turned towards Jesus- the light. When I reflect on how Jesus lived His life, then I can learn from him on what matters to God. Jesus’ life was all about living for others and the Father. His life was about giving, not getting. He did not seek more things, but gave away all things- including His life. He did not seek a good name or reputation, but always indicated that His Father was the one to be glorified with all that He did.
To follow Christ in the way that He lived is our calling as disciples, but certainly this is not easy. Our society and culture encourage us to acquire more things, to desire to be popular and noticed by others, and to always place our wants and needs above the concerns of others. As I reflect on the rich man in today’s story, I know that there are plenty of times when I live in excess of what I need, and I act out of greed not generosity. If I want to be “rich in what matters to God” I will need His grace, mercy (because I know I will continue to fail) and love.
I believe that it is God and His love that is at the source of all of our seeking and searching. Unfortunately we try to find fulfillment in the possessions and honors of this world, and these things will never satisfy. It is only when we come to know and understand God and the depth of His love for us and all creation that we can find contentment-and finally our searching will be over.
"Heavenly Father, you are generous in your love for us. Your Son, Jesus shows us how to share your love with others. Allow your Spirit to fill us, so we can be rich in what really matters to You. May we be generous with all we have and may our lives bring you glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD. AMEN."
Marylynn Herchline