Reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23; Psalm 90; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; St. Luke 12:13-21

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Usually, the topic of death is brought into sharp focus for us only when a person dear to us has died, or when the liturgy reminds us of death and judgment as we near the end of the Church year.  Today, the Mass readings remind us of the transitory nature of life itself and invite us to meditate on the eternal values that transcend death.

In the second reading, St. Paul reminded the Colossians that their life had been radically changed since their baptism, equivalent to “dying” to their old way of life. They formerly acted in ignorance of the ways of God when they engaged in sinful habits (of which he gave examples). Now they were reborn spiritually to live in a pure and holy way with Christ. 

St. Paul tells us to put to death the parts of us “that are earthly”.  That is a strong imperative, yet we know that each of us has the critical choice to make between spiritual life and spiritual death.  [More fortunate than the angels, we can reform during our lives and approach little by little more closely to the model of Christ’s perfectly pure, unselfish life.]

In the parable in St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus gives a striking example of how too much dependence on the things of earth can replace the essential things we should keep in mind.  A rich man, who had so many possessions that he decided to build more storage space for them, was surprised by the imminent end of his life. He had stored up treasure for himself but was caught off guard; not being “rich in what matters to God.”

Jesus never said that it was wrong to be wealthy.  He taught us that we must share our possessions with the poor, as in the renowned scene of the shepherd separating the “sheep”–those who took care of the less fortunate–from the “goats”, who did not take care of others (St. Matthew, Chapter 25). The sheep, free from a possessive attitude toward wealth, will be ready to enter God’s kingdom.

Our important job, with the help of the Holy Spirit, is to choose which type of wealth we want to amass. We want to be rich in what matters to God.  We need to be of service to one another.  Then we will be prepared for the moment we will be accountable to God for how we have used earthly goods.

“Take care to guard against all greed,” Jesus said,  “for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”  As Jesus said in the parable of sheep and goats, the generous sheep who answered the needs of others will be rewarded with eternal life. Even in this life, as Jesus said, “Give and it will be given to you…. (Luke 6:8)”. 

Saint Peter learned this well, for after Jesus’ death he was able to give this advice:

“Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.  As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:8-10)”

We should strive to be good stewards of our possessions, using them according to God’s will while we are alive and have the freedom to do so.  If we use our own possessions to benefit others, we acquire heavenly goods for ourselves, as well as peace of mind in this life. 

Death is not a fearful thing to one who has spent his life serving God and others.

“Brothers and sisters:  If you were raised with Christ,

seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”