Aug 1: God provides the best benefits for us
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The Book of Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature. Its title means “church book.” It is also known by it Hebrew name, Qoheleth, which means something very similar. Most of the work is very depressing and cynical. However, the center of the book, Eccl 5:17-19, is probably the principal teaching of the work. It is the key to avoid the pitfalls of life, which are indicated in the rest of the book. God intends our life to be joyful, when we are content with what we have and with whom we are able to spend our life.
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
“Vanity of vanities” is a Hebrew way of expressing the “greatest vanity.” The word is difficult to translate into English. It means “something short-lived” or “vapor.” The author uses the phrase to indicate something transitory and without real substance. When you reach for it, there is nothing there to hold onto. The author comments on the futile efforts of an individual to achieve wealth or prestige. They only bring “sorrow and grief.” “Under the sun” indicates concerns with this earthly life apart from God.
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5,9-11
Some scholars have considered this work to be part of the Deutero-Pauline writings, based on a study of the language and ideas presented in the letter. However, a growing number of exegetes consider this work to be one of the authentic letters of Paul.
Paul writes to a Greek community in western Asia Minor. Paul encourages them to “think of what is above,” so that they will be united with Christ “in glory.” Glory is an attribute of God. By sharing in this glory, the division between “what is above” and “earth” is removed by Christ. A new life is possible for humankind! When Christ is “all in all,” even the division among humankind is removed. Paul uses other lists of opposites in Rm 10:12, Gal 3:28 and 1 Cor 12:13. Scythian is an intensification of “barbarian.” The “old self” is “earthly” and full of “practices” that are vices. The “new self” reflects “the image of its creator,” recalling the original intention of God at the time of creation in Gn 1:26-27.
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
You don’t have to be in ministry very long to recognize the plight that Jesus was asked to face: family inheritance! I would go so far as to say that if there is money left when someone dies, there will be a fight among the relatives! People can be eager to sacrifice the treasure of family relationships for the possession of more material goods.
Jesus took the complaint of a brother against his sibling and played upon the word “rich,” which appears three times in this passage. The first phrase, “one may be rich” is balanced by the final phrase, “are not rich.” There is a reversal. The parable about “the rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest” is a tragedy. The rich man’s conversation is only about “I,” and he speaks only to himself. The final response by God, spoken to an unhearing rich man, teaches an important truth. We are stewards of God’s creation!
The Gospel of Luke is especially focused on the responsibility of discipleship toward the needs of others. The following verses to this passage assure the disciples that they will lack nothing, since “your Father knows that you need them” (Lk 12:30). Even in the Last Supper account, Luke includes the theme of service of others (Lk 22:25-27). Greed is an irrational desire to accumulate possessions. It denies the useful role of material possessions. It does not weigh the needs of the individual, who possesses the riches, or the needs of others in the community in which the individual resides. What “matters to God” is taking care of His family.
There was a sad story in the news recently about a woman, who had so much clutter in her house, that when a fire occurred, she could not get out and the firemen could not get into the house to save her. Her accumulation of things led to her death. Later, family members explained that she had been raised in poverty, and she saved everything “just in case!”
As I think about moving from my present assignment, I look at the “stuff” I have collected over the years that I have been here. It’s good stuff! There was a time when I only needed a single bag to move around. Other people provided whatever I needed, when I stayed in their home. I didn’t have a basement, an attic or even a rectory to stay in. Yet, I didn’t feel deprived of anything. In fact, that was a time when I felt that I had the most!
Now. . .I either pay a lot of money to move and store the stuff – or – I “let go and let God” lead me, knowing that He will provide whatever will be necessary for my next life’s assignment. When my sister and brother-in-law retired to Florida, they gave away all the treasures that they accumulated – silverware, good dishes, artwork, furniture, expensive clothing, even jewelry – to her children and to charity. My sister said that if she didn’t need it for a year or two, she didn’t want it to take up space!
Each of us is “on assignment” for a time, wherever we are. Have you looked to see what you really need or want to carry around with you? I don’t think that there are too many storerooms in heaven. The benefits provided by our Father will take care of all that we really need or could dream of!
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
