“He said to the crowd:
“Take care to guard against greed…
one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Lk 12:13).

A voice from the crowd that was pressing around Jesus insists that Jesus intervene as a lawyer to settle a family dispute.  Jesus shows no interest in the facts of the case, and refuses to be a judge or arbitrator instead goes to the heart of the matter and addresses the greed and selfishness that underlies the request.
 
Rather than moralizing, Jesus tells a very unsettling parable about the attempt to associate one’s life with one’s possessions. The story begins innocently enough about a rich man who has a bountiful harvest. He is the only figure in the story. With no place to store his bumper crop he ponders: “What shall I do…?” So he decides to build larger grain bins. As a farmer it seems to be a prudent decision.
 
But that discloses the problem. In doing so, he aims to provide security for the future and a relaxed lifestyle for the present.  What the rich man doesn’t realize is that he could die tomorrow and his stored up possessions will be of no avail.  How isolated he is!  Nothing is said about his family, friends or even enemies. He is closed in on himself and does not see beyond: my harvest, my barns, my grain and my goods.  
 
He doesn’t see the social and economic consequences of his actions. Holding back his harvest, he deprives others and may also drive up the price of grain. God’s word of judgment shatters his sense of security. The farmer may consider himself wise but God calls him a “fool” because he is unaware of his death and acts as if there were no God. He is a fool because he thought his life was secure. He lives without an attitude of thankfulness that would be shown by giving of his access. He has no knowledge that life is a gift from God that must be returned…” this night your life will be demanded of you.”
 
Jesus offers much insight into the ways of the human heart. It is a natural tendency for us, aware of our own fragileness and the uncertainties of life, to search for lasting security. This becomes even more pronounced when we are faced with doubts, worries, anxieties and disappointments, rejection and failure.
 
One way to deal with such disturbing fears is to grasp more tightly the possessions we have and to acquire even more things hoping that they will help us feel more secure about our life. It has been shown that some choose to deal with depression by frequent trips to the shopping mall.
 
Whether a person’s possessions are few or very great, it is a temptation for everyone to place ultimate value on them.  When this happens our relationship with God becomes secondary, and perhaps dispensable.
 
What are your most prized possessions? What place do they have in your life? Do you continually focus on building new grain bins by, for example, adding to a stock portfolio or increasing personal income?  In what ways do you need a conversion of heart so that you can become a more generous benefactor sharing your possessions with those in need?
 
Could you be more sharing with a spouse…with family? Could you be more generous (even a little) with St. Cecelia’s  parish, with St. Vincent de Paul in our parish, with Catholic Charities, with the missions? (See also Luke – John Gillman)