As human beings, planning for the future is part of us; in fact, one who does not think about the future is half human. In this way, many people invest in many things and store many treasures for themselves to use them in the future or to be used by their children and the following generations. It's tempting to say that most of these investments and preparations for the future are mostly in material things not in the eternal life after our death. But then, ‘Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.’ Jesus warns us in today's Gospel; thinks mostly on our last reckoning and the life after our death.
A person who only plans for the future only in terms of material things is like the rich fool who after seeing much and surplus harvest he had, he decided to build new big barns and keep everything there, and said to his soul to eat, drink and enjoy for everything is at your disposal. Unfortunately, God demanded his soul that night and he had nothing after death, no eternal life. Jesus calls such a person a FOOL. This passage is yet another warning about the inadequacy of riches in helping us inherit the kingdom of God. It is only this passage which calls the rich as a fool to emphasize this aspect more.
Our whole being brethren, doesn't depend on material things alone, after all, a human being is composed a body and a soul. Emphasizing only on the body alone means leaving the soul out, and since our souls are immortal, they need more care than even our bodies. We become fools of only we care about worldly things and possessions and forget the life our souls have to live after we have died; this is not only foolishness, but also selfishness and injustice. Should we not get rich then or work hard to have material possessions? No! Let's work hard and become rich and richer but let's not forget that riches are the biggest temptation that blocks our way to heaven, because they make us look like gods and so forget God and eternal life he gives. They give us transient pleasures and make us forget eternal happiness. That's why Jesus gives us only and only one way for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God: using their wealth to make friends in heaven. This only hope for the rich for the rich to enter heaven, otherwise, the rich will surely miss heaven. Be aware!
Jesus tells us that we have to keep treasures for ourselves in heaven thus making ourselves rich in God's face rather than here on earth. All earthly things and riches, if they don't help us gain eternal life, are nothing. We are struggling for nothing, and we better start investing in heavenly riches. Most times we think if we have money then we have everything and we can do anything we want but unfortunately this is only human thinking. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. Of what value are material things if they don't help you gain what truly lasts in eternity. Neither money nor possessions can buy heaven, mend a broken heart, or cheer a lonely person.
Jesus himself asks us a fundamental question; What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?” In other words, Jesus is saying that it doesn’t matter how much money you make, or what kind of car you drive, or what kind of clothes you wear, or what type of degree you have. You might spend your whole life trying to earn millions of dollars and amass all sorts of luxuries and securities, but you will have done all this in vain without God. You will have missed out on the true meaning of life and the real treasure of love. Don’t make the mistake of continually trying to make life easier and more comfortable for yourself. You will only end up being hopelessly miserable and incredibly lonely. And then, Jesus will call you a FOOL.
If only we can understand that life is not all about possessions; then we are wise. We can all sometimes fall prey to the desire to measure our self-worth by our possessions. In the culture, we often idolize those with great wealth. Wealthy people seem to have it all; Christ warns us to reject this assumption. What matters is how well we love. As Mother Teresa told us, “There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love” (A Simple Path). Our ultimate success will be measured by the love we share with others. “If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).
Therefore, if you have plenty to share with the other as a sign of love, give back to God also though nothing can pay for the life you have; more still, this is to make for yourself, friends in heaven. Our greatest investment then becomes to give up our lives to love God and serve His people. It's not by gathering the whole world for ourselves, or making a lot of money or hating our fellows but just in a simple way, to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus and surrender everything to Him, to love and to accept love.
Reflect today on where you have put your greatest investment, that which will give you happiness both here on earth and eternal life in the next life. Can you give up everything for the sake of Christ, to love Him and serve His people? Pray the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind as you reflect on these questions.
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, I desire to be rich in love, charity and grace for with these I will be rich in earthly things also. Amen
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