A Rich Fool Being Fooled by God

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 03, 2025

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21–23; Psalm 90:3–17; Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11; Luke 12:13–21

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/UVVhworHsOc

Believing in oneself is a sign of courage and determination—a commitment to live life with purpose and depth. It reflects a healthy self-awareness, where one recognizes both strengths and limitations, and learns to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom. However, trouble arises when our belief shifts from inner conviction to external possessions—when we place our trust in material wealth, power, or status. These, as life often reminds us, are fleeting and uncertain. Nothing in this world is permanent, not even life itself. What endures is the love we show, the care we extend, and the compassion we offer to those around us. To live meaningfully is to live for others—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and acknowledging that every person has a place in this world. The readings on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect deeply on these truths and challenge us to embrace a life rooted in divine wisdom and genuine care for others.

1. The Uncertainty of Earthly Security 

We have this beautiful Gospel reading from St Luke 12:13-21. It's a parable about the rich man who cared very little about others. He believed in his wealth, harvest, grains and the barns that he had built. The parable of the rich fool is not just about money — it’s about where we place our ultimate trust. The man had a great harvest, bigger barns, and grand plans. He was big in terms of material things, and now he wants to be even bigger. But he failed to realize that life is fragile and fleeting, and true security can never be stored in a barn.

Jesus doesn’t condemn wealth itself — but He warns us of the illusion that material security equals eternal security. The rich man lived for himself, spoke only to himself, and made plans only for himself. He forgot God and neighbour. In the parable, we don't come across another person. The story revolves around the eternal treasures rather than the temporary ones. 

2. Living With Passion and Zeal for God

What is certain in our life is only God and God alone. Perhaps we do not see him with our naked eyes, yet we can understand that what moves us in this world is some divine power and wisdom. It cannot come from a human person or through the energy of this world. Therefore, there is someone who is the ultimate guide who guides us. Hence, we cannot go against the principles of that divine wisdom. If not, we will have to hear the words that are uttered in the parable: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” (Lk 12:20)

So often, we fall into the same trap: postponing love, delaying generosity, storing away forgiveness for another day. But life is now. It is momentary. The Kingdom is now. This moment is a gift, and we are stewards, not owners, of everything we have. Actually, what we call "owning" is not ours. The Christian life is not meant to be lukewarm or mediocre. The wisdom of the Scripture is a wake-up call to live with passion and urgency, not for earthly success, but for Kingdom values — mercy, justice, faith, and love. 

3. Living Totally for the Greater Things

St. Paul invites us to lift our gaze heavenward in his letter to the Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11. He invites us to set our minds not on fleeting things, but on what is eternal, on Christ who is our life. “Set your hearts on things above” (Col 3:1). This is not escapism from the realities of the world, but a profound reminder that our true identity is rooted in God, not in the labels or possessions the world assigns us. God does not count on our success stories rather on our being faithful to Him. 

We live in a culture that glorifies the accumulation of wealth, degrees, experiences, positions, titles, likes, and followers. But Paul reminds us: “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This is a call to die daily to selfishness, jealousy, an uncaring attitude, a sense of pride in "I know everything," and greed. St Paul invites us to rise to a life of compassion, humility, and love. We are not defined by what we own or how others see us, but by who we are in Christ. And in Him, “there is no Greek or Jew, slave or free.” We are all beloved children of God, called to reflect His image in the world.

Questions for reflections

1. Are we building barns or building the Body of Christ?
2. Are we investing in things that perish or in love that lasts forever?
3. Are we clinging to our old selves or putting on the new self, created in the image of Christ?

Prayer

Lord, help me to seek the things that are above.  Detach me from the grip of greed and selfishness. Teach me to number my days and live each one with eternal purpose. Make me rich in love, generous in mercy, and passionate in my walk with You. May my life reflect the beauty of Your Kingdom. May this Sunday remind me: Heaven is my home, and love is my currency. Let me live not just for myself, but for the One who died and rose for me — with hearts on fire and hands ready to serve. I make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

01 August 2025