18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
FROM GREED TO GRATITUDE
LK 12: 13-21
MESSAGE
This Sunday’s Gospel repeats Jesus’ straightforward lesson and warning: “Take care to guard against all greed.” The Lord’s message is the antidote to the insidious effect of greed, both for things material and non-material. Greed is grounded in desire – the desire to possess and enjoy for oneself; the feeling of attachment to the things you already have and wish to acquire in the future.
When the Lord Jesus proclaims the danger of greed, it is because he knows that this desire breeds dissatisfaction, sows disturbance, and leads to disaster in a person and his relationships. Instead of being thankful, the greedy person remains sad; instead of relishing, he feels insecure; instead of happiness, he experiences only lack of joy.
“One’s life does not consist of possessions.” In Jesus’ view, life has to be lived in freedom, in gratitude, in the fearlessness to share, and in the peace of mind and heart that comes liberation from selfishness and self-centeredness. Life in God is not about desire but about longing – for the promises of God, for his generosity, for the faithfulness and constancy of his love, care, and mercy.
REFLECT
You are not greedy for or attached to anything, you say? Look into your heart today. What are the things you cannot live without – whether possessions, or reputation, or persons? Let us ask the Lord for the gift of freedom, of sharing, and of gratitude for his gifts.
