In today’s parable the focus is on material goods and material security. The story is that a man requests Jesus to mediate in oder that he gets his inheritance.
This man came to Jesus with a great hope. He believed that Jesus would help him to end the dispute with his brother. Jesus’ response was actually a disappointment for him. Instead of mediating, Jesus spoke about the true meaning of life. It is not abundance, wealth, and luxury that counts. The true and real meaning of life depends on making people rich before God.
Actually Jesus had helped many people in different areas of their lives. That may be the reason behind this request of this man. As we know it is difficult to separate material life from spiritual life. The two belong together. But I think, Jesus is using this opportunity to convince us of the importance of a life with God and a life in solidarity with our fellow human beings. That was what the rich man in the parable needed. He always thought about himself only. But as humans we should think about God and about our fellow humans too.
That’s why Jesus tells this parable. Jesus makes it clear that there are many other things in life that are more important than material security and material prosperity. Jesus doesn’t fundamentally reject the material security and prosperity. But Jesus reminds us of the importance of spiritual wealth which people usually very quick and very easly neglect.
The intention of the man in the parable was to expand his possibilities and then enjoy life for many years with his abundance. He found meaning in eating, drinking, and enjoying life. Eating and drinking, or recreation belong to life. But the meaning of life is not that. It is much more important and valuable than just eating and drinking.
The man in parable did not find the real meaning of life. He did not know to become rich before God. He thought about his own material and physical well-being only. His economic and financial success led him, on the one hand, to pursuit luxury, and on the other, he never considered his fellow human beings. He also did not think that he would have to farm every year. Without working and earning, it is not right to live and enjoy in abundance. His success and great fortune were not only his own merit. Many people have contributed directly or indirectly for his success. Besides God’s blessing was abundantly on him. The same is true of every success and every gain in the life of each of us. One person alone cannot accomplish everything. We owe all successes to the help of many people, special situations, and God’s blessing. The rich man in the parable didn’t understand it. Therefore, God threatened him with death.
The parable doesn’t say that God lets him die, but rather that God threatens him with imminent death so that he will repent. Similarly we also receive different sings from God and from our fellow humans. To recognise the signs of the time and to act and react belong to our prudence. Let us be prudent children of God. Let us hear the voice of the Lord. Let us recognise the true meaning of life. God bless you.
Fr. Joseph Pandiappallil MCBS