Homily on the 26th Sunday after Pentecost
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” Lk12:16-19
We as humans have evolved in such extraordinary ways that the inventors and scientists of yesteryear could not have imagined how far we would have come; electric cars, smart phones, smart homes, home delivery services (Uber) and more.
However, have all these commodities of life desensitized our natural senses – ie, being able to live off the land via growing our own produce; basically, surviving off the fruits of our labor as our ancestors once did or has it completely transformed us into walking zombies – unable to fend for ourselves; relying on others to do anything and everything for us?
Furthermore, by having everything simply at the click of a button we are relying on people/technology to do things for us – cooking, going to the shops, purchasing clothing, electronic devises that work on our behalf and even the medical services!
Moreover, it is interesting to note that the majority of people that are mastered by all the technologies of the modern world are the Godless; those who have been wronged by the church in some way or another; resulting in rebellion or those who via their own ignorance have rejected God for whatever reason - mirroring family ideologies, friendship circles ….....
Thus, how many times have we heard people ramble on about the latest iPhone, PlayStation or new vehicle that has been released. Such people are at times so consumed by it, that totally masters them; becoming the center of their lives. However, like always the hype and excitement is short lived and does not last; it is merely a superficial happiness/satisfaction and then they return to their original selves –searching for something to fill the void in their lives in order to have a sense of purpose in life.
We who are the faithful of the Lord remember very clearly what He says to His Apostles - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. A peace that the world cannot give” Jn 14:27 Hence, no matter what we do or no matter how far we search, if we don’t search for in the Light who is Jesus Christ - the light to enlighten the Gentiles (Isa 42:6) we will never find what we search for! (Inner peace and sanctuary as other religious groups refer too)
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Lk 12:20-21
Some may remember earlier this year, I wrote a homily regarding the meaning of gathering treasures on earth and for heaven. May I refresh our memory. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mt 6:19-21
Thus, here Christ is saying that – firstly, your family who is the Church; the members of Christs body must be held close to our hearts considering them to be our very family our earthly treasures. Secondly, those who we meet and are simple in heart; having a wonderous love for another person no matter the circumstance. It is such people that the Lords calls and wants us His people to - go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:19-20
I have had the honor and privilege of meeting many wonderful people over the years whom in my opinion would give up their eyes to serve others. However, with some of these people, the minute money is involved they become totally unrecognizable; transforming into something opposite and contrary to who they truly are.
For example, I was told a true story about an event that took place several years ago by a family member. This family member went out with a group of friends one night to a restaurant. They were served by one young waitress the whole night; who would be at their beck and call - rendering true service and making their night a pleasurable one.
At the end of the evening as they were paying the bill, they all decided to each leave a $10 tip for the young waitress for her outstanding services. However, one of the friends who was the fussiest of them all complaining about the smallest insignificant things during the evening was not happy with leaving the young girl a $10 tip.
Thus, he made a big fuss embarrassing the group of friends and kept the $10 tip. In addition, this person owns three properties and 1 holiday house; needless to say, is quite well off when it comes to financial situation. Extreme greed and stinginess is ever present when it comes to money. Jesus says very clearly - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Mt 6:24
In conclusion, today we are being reminded - firstly to not allow ourselves get so caught up in material setting; however, let us be mindful and aware that it is easy to fall into the trap of addiction. Secondly, we are reminded of the two greatest commandments to : love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Mt 22:37-39 Lastly, to not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of becoming money hungry - a tactic that evil uses to ruin our relationship with God, the breakdown of a family unit (divorce, loss of job...) and overall mental health; which at times results in clinical depression – which sadly can be the cause of suicide.
May we acquire faith within this advent season that through the prayers of the Theotokos who is our protector; the Lord who comes to be born in the manger of hearts reaches out onto us in His infinite mercy keeping us safe from all dangers, delivering us from all evil in its vastness!
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