The parable of the Rich fool (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

Homily for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time.

Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch (Bishop and Martyr).

Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in the first reading of today, St. Paul instructs us in the following words: "You he made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world" (Eph.2:1). 

Reminding us of the unmerited favour we received from God, whom through the person and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ransomed us from darkness, evil, sin and death. Hence, restoring us to our original state of innocence and life in the spirit of God. By extension, our attitude in all ramification must be Christ-like.

The Gospel presents to us the parable of the rich fool. Jesus warns us of the danger of ingratitude and individualism.

This rich fool, so to say was not guilty as a result of his wealth but the wrong perception and use of his fortune is what categorized him a fool.

He was a man of ingratitude. At the reception of so much riches, he did not show appreciation or thanksgiving to God for his abundant gift. Rather, he felt he was industrious enough to obtain such.

He redirected his true happiness to be on earthly acquisition. Thereby, displacing God as the source of true happiness. 

He was individualistic so much so that he lacked the disposition for charity. He became blind to the needy and neighbours around him. One can verily say he lived for himself alone and became chronologically self-centered. No wonder his best choice of pronoun was "I", " I" and "I".

Dearest friends in Christ, ingratitude they say is a treason to God and mankind. An ungrateful person is never appreciative of the sources of his blessings. Ingratitude invariably breeds individualism.

It is no news to say that the culture of charity is fading away from our communities today. People are becoming more and more individualistic and blind to the need of others. The sprit of self-centered ness and ingratitude is ravaging deeply the spirit of community life.

Friends in Christ, let us utilize our God provided fortune in building up pearls that are of supreme significance. Authentic riches and genuine happiness consist in putting all the blessings obtained from God at His service and for the common good of others.

Have a beautiful day!

Fr Remi osj