Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Qoheleth is today’s author of the Old Testament reading. This Hebrew name can be translated as “teacher.” Now imagine this fellow with the strange name riding herd over a modern college classroom of bright young high-achievers. Imagine him asking the class to list the essentials needed for true quality of life. No doubt the list would soon include things like air, water, food, clothing, shelter, and personal security.

And now imagine the discussion getting lively, perhaps even heated, if this teacher just happens to drop the comment that riches, property and a bank account are not that important because possessions come and go and, and after all, all is vanity! Are those words naïve and foolish because they challenge our secular culture which automatically glorifies “the good life?” Or, are they wise words of confrontation? So how would you as a teacher help your young students find a balanced approach to material goods and wealth?

Jesus, the master teacher makes a powerful point in the Gospel story about the rich man who decides to build extra storage capacity just to contain his abundant harvests as well as the even greater harvests yet to come. The moral of the story is that his concern is meaningless because he is about to die that very evening. Death has a way of bringing the enjoyment and glitter of material riches to a sudden stop.

Someone in the class might object that private property is yours to keep. You worked for it. The teacher might point out that there is a difference between collecting or hoarding for the sake of personal ownership and choosing to use what we find, build, and share for the common good.

St. Paul’s reminds us that our true union with Christ creates a true union with one another. This union is not simply a passing spiritual companionship which jolts our conscience when we’re reminded to pray for someone’s physical and the spiritual wellbeing. It comes down to accepting self-sacrificing adjustments and lifestyle changes needed to preserve and share the material gifts of the earth. Individual wealth ranging from the bare minimum among the desperately poor, to the outlandish wealth of others, becomes a serious responsibility of the owner. In Christ, we believe we share our human bond and interdependence. The dignity and need of our neighbor call us to use and distribute our wealth according to the highest standards of charity, good judgment, and, yes, don’t forget, the common good.

Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB