18th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C
Introduction
The readings for this Sunday reflect the nature of our lives and the choices we make. We are challenged to examine our priorities, especially in light of our earthly desires and aspirations.
First Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
In the first reading Qoheleth, which means teacher, we encounter the profound thoughts of the teacher who declares that “all is vanity.”
The word vanity, Hevel in Hebrew, literally means vapor or breath. It signifies transience, insubstantiality and elusiveness, like mist that appears briefly and vanishes. Here the author reminds us poignantly that our pursuit of earthly wealth, success and pleasures is all in vain, for all these things ultimately fade away.
We work tirelessly, yet we may leave behind a legacy that feels fleeting and unsatisfactory. This reflection serves as a call to examine what truly matters in our lives. The words “vanity of vanities” are not said by a grumpy old man out of frustration or ignorance. These words come from the wise, who has gained confidence in the experiences of life. We will leave these things behind.
To a meaningful life, wealth, human wisdom and even life itself come and go. Yet value in life and fruit which lasts come from this: “to revere God and keep his commands” (Ecc. 11:13).
Today’s psalm extends this theme by highlighting the brevity of human life. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a wise heart.” Time is a gift, yet it is finite. Our awareness of its passage should inspire us to seek wisdom and to invest our time in what aligns with God’s purposes.
Second reading – Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Paul encourages us to set our minds on the things that are above. He calls us to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ. If we are to find true fulfilment, we must turn our attention away from worldly destruction and focus on the eternal.
The gospel acclamation echoes this in the words of Jesus, “blessed are the poor in spirit.” This poses the question: how much am I possessed by my possessions?
Gospel – Luke 12:13-21
The gospel shows that material things are really coming to an end. As we work around the clock to acquire material things we must ask ourselves, will it last forever?
Jesus told the parable in response to someone who asked him to tell his brother to share the inheritance. Rather than dealing with the symptom Jesus went straight to the root cause, which Jesus saw as covetousness. This is the tendency to identify life with possessions, to cling to material things.
The problem was not his brother’s refusal to share but the attitude of identifying life with the futility of accumulating material things. Jesus wanted to bring to mind the value of earthly things compared to heavenly riches. Before we lose our soul over inheritance, we should ask ourselves will it last forever?
The warning that Christ is making in the gospel, “You fool, this night your life will be demanded” is an important awareness that opens our minds to the true treasure.
The question may be:
- What am I building at the moment?
- What am I pouring out my life into?
Remember, God will not ask us how much we stored, but rather how much we shared. Material riches, if not handled well may lead to spiritual poverty. Saint Francis of Assisi said it is in giving that we receive. It is not to accumulation we are called but to sharing. Saint Theresa of Calcutta said if you cannot feed hundreds of people just feed one.
Conclusion
Let us be deeply grateful to people who have received many gifts. For these gifts are not their possessions, because with them they are to serve God in others. When we are not generous with material things, and rather cling to it, we will experience spiritual and emotional poverty.
Worse still, we may never see the image of God in others.