READINGS FOR THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C, SUNDAY 31ST JULY, 2022.

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1: 2, 2: 21-23

Psalm: 89

Second Reading: 2 Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11

Gospel: Luke 12: 13-21

REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM

RICH IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C. In my reflection today, we are reminded of who we are as a community of faith enriched by God with numerous gifts for our own needs and the needs of people around us.

Making ourselves rich in the sight of God requires a heart of goodwill that spreads joy among people. Goodwill encourages us to see what we possess as gifts from God. It empowers us to accept that God’s gifts are never meant only for us but should be shared with those in need.

It is against this background that the Lord said to the rich man in today’s Gospel: “Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?” “for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.” (Luke 12:15-21).

This particular Gospel passage draws our attention to the fact that life does not depend on our riches or material possessions. It requires us to wish one another well. Sometimes, not always, but occasionally, our material possessions could save our lives and improve the quality of our lives but cannot buy true life, true joy and happiness.

Charity releases the spirit of joy. Sharing shows love and goodwill. It helps us to build lasting joy and peace. Lasting peace is a gift from God to men and women of goodwill. The principles of goodwill teaches us not to look down on others, especially those in need.

Bishop Ambrose of Milan clearly captured this teaching. He said: “It is for all that the earth was created. Nature knows no rich. She only gives birth to poor. When you give to the poor, it is not from your own wealth, but it is a fragment of their property you are returning to them, for it is common property, given for all to use, that you are keeping for yourself”.

The rich fool in the Gospel failed to make God the source of his possessions and success. Life for the rich fool was about “me” and “I” alone. He never desired to give thanks to God nor share what God has given him with others in need. He never realized that life is made secure when we make ourselves rich in the sight of God.

Today’s Gospel challenges our inordinate desire for accumulating wealth and our duty of sharing the gifts of God with those in need. Sharing or giving is a powerful duty which God has entrusted to us.

We are urged to effectively carry out this great responsibility of sharing our gifts within our families, places of work and worship.

May we be kind and generous to people in need around us through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM.