Reflection on “The Foolish Rich Man” – based on the Gospel of Luke 12:13-21 – August 4, 2019
This is a story for our time. Even the word “fool” seems to have special designation for our time. Many in our culture would not object to being called “a sinner”. That has a sort of a daring daredevil adventurous sound to it. But none of us wants to be thought “a fool”. We like to believe that we are thinking, intelligent people.
I think this is the only time in the Scriptures when God points at a particular man and says, “you fool”. What kind of man was he? There were a number of things about him that are quite commendable. He was obviously a hard worker, a careful planner, a good businessman. These are traits we all admire. There is nothing wrong with working hard and being thrifty with our money. The truth is God called him a fool, not for what he did, but for what he failed to do – the things he left out of his life. His story has something to say to you and me… let me point out just three things.
First – His story tells us that it is a foolish thing to leave God out of our lives. It seems that it never occurred to him that his abundance was a blessing from God or that his future was dependent upon God.
Financial success is an enviable accomplishment. But when that experience comes, the person who is truly wise understands that, in large measure, it is all by the grace of God, a gift. When the nation of Israel was looking toward the promised land of milk and honey, Moses said: “You shall remember the Lord your God for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.
The rich fool apparently forgot that. He thought that all of his success was due to his own genius and efforts.
It is a good thing to plan for the future, but it is wise to remember that all of our plans are contingent upon God. St. James talks about this in his epistle on practical Christianity. He said: “Some of you are planning to go to a certain city, stay there for one year, buy and sell and earn a profit. You do not even know what tomorrow will bring. You ought to say,” If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-17 ESV) That is why we hear people say: “God willing, I will see you tomorrow.”
It is wise to remember that our lives are in the hands of God. It is nothing but foolishness to leave God out of our plans.
We hear people on the news or you probably know of people who prepared well for life, became financially independent, stayed physically healthy – but shortly before or after retirement which they looked forward to – got into accident or suffered a heart attack, and just fell dead, etc.
Life at best is so fragile and insecure. We are so dependent on God. Nothing could be more foolish than to leave God out of our lives.
Secondly, it is foolish living to ignore our spiritual needs. The rich fool seemed to live his life on a physical and material plain.
He told himself: “Now you have it made. Eat, drink and be merry.”
What he failed to realize is that there was a very real part of his nature that needed something more that food and fun.
There is something special about a human life that cannot be explained in terms of the physical. The life of a man, woman, or child somehow is sacred and we all know it. What makes a human life so important? It is as simple as this: people are made in the image of God, capable of fellowship with God, endowed with spiritual possibilities that are almost unlimited. Let us not forget this basic truth about our nature.
No one is denying that we are physical creatures with physical needs. We need food, clothing, houses, cars and all the rest. But we are also spiritual creatures with spiritual needs. We need purpose. We need meaning. We need the joy that comes from serving. We need communion with God. We need a sense of divine approval. These needs are just as real as food and drink. Let us not turn our backs on this part of our nature. Only a fool ignores his spiritual needs.
Thirdly, one last thought: it is a foolish thing to forget eternity. The man in our story seemingly thought only in terms of time. He spoke of “many years”. He did not have many years. He actually had less than one day. But would “many years” have really mattered? They would all be gone by now. Sooner or later time runs out for all of us. This life is not forever. Every one of us has a limited supply of time. I do not know how much time I have left or how much time you have left.
What I do know is that we have one day less than we had yesterday. We are running out of time. We are moving toward eternity. All of life should be lived in the light of that truth.
My brothers and sisters, time is running out. Life should be lived with eternity in view. That is the truth, and only a fool refuses to face the truth.
What is Jesus telling us in this parable? He is saying that we should be wise. Include God in your plans. Pay attention to our spiritual nature. Live your life against a backdrop of eternity. These truths embody the very essence of wisdom.
Let me close by sharing this story many of you might have heard but it is worth sharing again – it is fitting.
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and his kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.” Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only send you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”
In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, even with all the modern day plastic surgeries, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the farthest they can stay by us is up to our grave. And our 1st wife is our Soul.
Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Let us feed our soul with the Word of God, with the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, the Bread of Life for our journey towards our true home, which is heaven.
God bless…
18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C
AUGUST 3/4, 2019
