Lectio Divina: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Take care to guard against all greed.” — Luke 12:15

REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a warning. He warns us to guard against all greed. He reminds us that just because someone might be rich, it does not mean they are somehow better than others. In fact, He cautions against becoming possessed by one’s own possessions.

We can often become obsessed with what we have, or what we don’t have. In this obsession, we can become envious or jealous of what others have. As we fall into this trap, we can forget to be grateful for what we have and for all the gifts that God has given us. In the act of becoming greedy, we cease to become grateful. Like the Prodigal Son, we brush away the love of the Father to pursue our own corrupted desires.

At the end of this Gospel, Jesus tells us that our life will be demanded of us. He cautions against focusing on just storing material riches and not becoming rich in what matters to God. What does God value? Faith, hope, love. He wants us to imitate His own begotten Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we’ll toss away any bit of greed in our own hearts.

QUESTIONS 

1. Am I guarding my heart against greed?
2. Do I envy others for what they have?
3. Am I grateful to God for what I do have?
4. In what ways am I possessed by my possessions?
5. What kind of riches am I storing up?