Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
The parable of the rich man with the bountiful harvest is presented today for our reflection in the Gospel passage from St. Luke. You know the familiar story. A wealthy man has a bumper crop this particular season and decides that he needs to tear down his barns and build larger ones in order to store his surplus harvest. He expresses his contentment that he has a supply that will last for several years and one that will allow him to live a life of comfort and ease. But God has other plans: “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Lk 12:20-21).
It is Jesus’ punchline that calls out for our attention today: What is it that really matters to God? Recall the passage from the prophet Micah: “You have been told…what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Mi 6:8). To “do justice” refers to our relationships with others. Had the rich man considered that the excess of his harvest might have been of help to feed the poor in his village? “To love goodness” is a reference to God’s love for Israel and His fidelity to his people. Is this landowner faithful to anyone except himself and his own desire for comfort? “To walk humbly with your God” calls for submission to the Lord’s will, revealed in his word and ultimately, in his Son, Jesus. The prosperous farmer’s narrow focus did not extend beyond his own will and his own perceived needs.
Let us open ourselves to Jesus’ parable today and examine our own hearts. Where do we place our values and where do we store our treasure? May we be rich in the things that matter to God!
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections