In today’s Gospel, two brothers are seen arguing over money and inheritance. Jesus hears the request but is very clear that He has no intention of getting involved in a family argument. It is not His place to go round dispensing justice in the lives of others. Jesus doesn’t miss the opportunity to tell brothers, and everyone else who cares to listen, that big issue here is not who gets what, but how important it is to persevere the security of life that comes from loving one another. Security of life is a spiritual reality that unfolds us when we are enfolded in love by family and friends, and when we learn to allow ourselves to be embraced by the love of God. Money does not do it. To bring some truth, Jesus tells a story in which the only people to feature are a rich farmer and God. It is a lonely story. The farmer has a big problem. “How do I keep all this wealth for myself? Build a larger barn and store it all, and sit back and pour yourself a glass! No problem.” This man only talks to himself and only listens to himself. Death comes and you must leave it all behind.
Greed of any kind will kill us. Greed does not want to know about anybody else. Greed fouls up friendship and causes family lives to fester. Wanting everything for yourself and wanting your own way in everything is the high road to misery. “Securing our country’s future” is a frequently heard political value, and everyone wants to feel secure. It is a natural desire. What of the vital importance of being able to meet another and to talk to another and to persevere in preserving all our relationships – whether internationally, or nationally, or in our family and community life? Jesus clearly states that our security is not achieved by what we have, or what we posses; this is true whether it means riches or a wealth of fire power. Our security is maintained by the kind of people we are and try to be. Strip off your old self and your old behavior, St. Paul says us today. Put on Christ. And if you want to be rich, be rich in God.