Rich in What Matters Most

HOMILY: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 12:13-21

31 July 2022

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

It is hard to keep up with our fast paced and ever-changing world. Kung bibili kang latest model ng kotse mid-year, 7 months later lalabas na ang bagong model. Pag-iipunan mo ang pambili ng laptop na mabilis ang processing power pero wala pang isang taon may ilalabas na modelong doble na ang bilis. Those with iPhones often find themselves salivating for the next generation iPhone. Pipila pa ng mahabang oras sa labas ng Apple store para makauna sa pagbili.  Di ba tayo napapagod? Sa kakatrabaho, minsan nagkakasakit na o nawawalan ng oras para sa pamilya o pagsimba basta makabili lang ng latest. Bawal na bang makuntento?

Our readings this Sunday direct our attention to how easy it is to have a false sense of security in our possessions and in the fleeting things of this world. We are reminded that nothing in this life lasts forever. Whatever earthly possessions we have, we cannot truly hold onto them. It is a depressingly uncomfortable statement but it is important to note that this awareness and recognition of the transitoriness of life is an invitation to set our sights beyond what we have to the lasting treasures that await those of us who believe in Jesus. In the gospel, Jesus is approached by a man who wants him to act as arbiter between himself and his brother over their dispute on inheritance. His request is not a sincere one founded on a desire for what is just and fair. Jesus sees into His heart and finds it full of greed. Since Jesus was one who spoke with authority, the rich man was hoping that he could use that to his advantage.  Jesus simply read his heart and turned the situation around into a teaching opportunity. Jesus emphasized the fact that any reliance on wealth and possessions is pure folly since all worldly possessions and our very human existence are not permanent.  In fact, in the First Reading, Qoheleth describes in even greater detail the misfortune which befalls people like the rich man in the gospel parable. “For what profit comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he laboured under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 2:22) According to Qoheleth, labouring for wealth and possessions is not only foolish but results in sorrow, grief, and anxiety.

But mind you, I don’t think that in advising us to “take care to guard against all greed,” (Luke 12:15) Jesus is asking us to completely divest ourselves of everything we own. Nowhere does the gospel passage say that wealth or even its accumulation is evil. In fact, prudently providing for our future is responsible planning. There is also no question in one’s right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labour acquired through a fitting manner. Jesus simply challenges us in the gospel not to place our security in possessions. We have to be careful not to lose ourselves in our possessions so much so that all our efforts are solely directed to accumulating more possessions and protecting what we have at the cost of our relationship with God and others. If this is what fills our minds and hearts 24/7 and all our time and energy are spent on making money or acquiring material wealth, then things and money become our idols. They take the place of God in our life and such is essentially the sin of greed. Sa taong ganid, ang pangangamkam ang nagiging puno’t dulo ng kanyang buhay. Obsessed to possess. 

The danger here is missing out on what truly matters. We miss out on values like family, friendship, simplicity, love, compassion, and sacrifice.  We also forget the Lord who is the Giver of all blessings and graces. We leave no room to develop our spirituality, our love for God and our neighbour.  If we are greedy, we accumulate more than what we need and hoard our time, talent and treasure. Hindi ba’t we are only stewards of God’s gifts? Maaaring hindi tayo patas-patas sa yaman pero ang lubos na binibiyayaan ay inaasahang magbabahagi sa mga nangangailangan. Those who are blessed with resources such as knowledge and wealth have the responsibility to uplift their fellowmen. What good does it do us if we end up rich in material things but we end up poor in what matters most: love, compassion, mercy trust, kindness, forgiveness, fidelity?  Jesus teaches us that the only wealth worth acquiring is to become “rich in what matters to God”. (Luke 12:21) Similarly, St. Paul admonishes the Colossians: “If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above… Think of what is above…” (Colossians 3:1-2) Every Christian sets his/her mind with intent and determination on the things above.  

Philippine pole vaulter EJ Obiena was featured in the news for his generous donation to athlete Lydia de Vega who is battling stage 4 breast cancer. “I have just learned of the plans of PSC to reward me with P250,000 incentive for breaking the Asian Record. This is deeply appreciated, and certainly needed since my funding is still yet to be sorted, despite the mediation agreement. However, on the flight back to Italy, it occurred to me that despite my own training needs, Ma’am Lydia needs this money more than I do. So, I am hereby pledging to [give] the P250,000 once paid, directly to the family of Lydia de Vega for her medical expenses.” I am impressed by this gesture. He is young and he has a long career ahead of him. If he works hard, monetary grants and product endorsements will surely fill his pockets. He earned the P250,000 he is set to receive. It is rightful for him to keep it for his training and expenses but he saw that a retired celebrated athlete had a more urgent need for it so he did not mind parting with the amount.

I was also recently present at the babang-luksa mass of a former parishioner.  He was a very successful businessman who built up his company by the sweat of his brow. I was so moved by the testimonial given by one of his children saying their dad “never fought with anyone, especially about money. It wasn’t because money wasn’t important, he understood the role money plays as a tool in life and how relationships are more than about money. Growing up he taught us to value hard work more than what we could buy with money. It didn’t matter how rich one has become, what is important is to remain humble, be honest and always be hungry… [for what matters most]. He was never one to rest on his laurels.” That lesson he taught was a most valuable legacy to his children.  

Brothers and sisters, the time we have in this life is short and most things in this world don’t last forever. Money is spent, things get destroyed, lost or stolen, investments can lose their value, relationships can end. Ang matalino puwedeng magka-dementia at Alzheimer’s; ang malakas puwedeng humina at magkasakit. Walang forever, puwera sa Panginoon.  Let us then reorganise our priorities in life. May we secure our future not in barns filled with grain and other earthly pursuits but rather on those godly things which lead us to God who brings fullness of life!