Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 3 August ‘25
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23. Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11. Luke 12:13-21
Passing Nature of Wealth
“Why is it called ‘selvam’ (wealth)?” – asks the great poet Kannadasan in his book Arthamulla Indhu Madham – “Because it always ‘sends us away’ or ‘leaves us’ (selvom).”
Whenever the Bible speaks about wealth, we see two perspectives: On one side, it warns that wealth can be dangerous – “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). On the other side, the Bible uses images of “treasure” and “pearl” to describe the Kingdom of God.
Wealth is at once described as a blessing of God and yet, it is also said, “God is near to the poor.” What then should we choose? Should we hold on to wealth or let it go? Should we chase wealth, or seek the life that gives true wealth? Is it wealth that gives life, or life that gives meaning to wealth?
The Question in Today’s Gospel
In today’s Gospel (Luke 12:13-21), a man asks Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” The law of inheritance stated that the elder brother gets two-thirds, and the younger one gets one-third (see Deut 21:17). Perhaps the elder brother is denying his younger brother’s share, but Jesus does not address the legal matter. Instead, He asks, “Who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” and then warns, “Be on guard against all greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
Jesus gives us two strong messages: (a) Avoid greed at all costs. (b) Possessions do not give life.
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Jesus then tells the parable of the “rich fool.” But was this man truly foolish? Not really! He was smart and hardworking. How else could he have produced such a great harvest? He did not cheat anyone or refuse to pay fair wages. He was a good planner, improving his barns to store his grain. So far, nothing is wrong with what he did. But what follows is his mistake.
The Gospel shows us a glimpse into his inner thoughts – a “soliloquy.” He says to himself:
“What will I do? I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones. I will store all my grain and goods. I will say to my soul, ‘You have plenty for many years; rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life.’”
Notice how often he uses “I, me, my, mine.” His world is limited to himself – his grain, his barns, his pleasure. He forgets everyone else, and even God.
Then comes God’s voice: “Fool! This very night your life will be taken from you. Then who will get what you have prepared?” The man’s confident future plans collapse before God’s eternal plan. The parable ends with a lesson: “This is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”
“Vanity of Vanities” – A Reality Check
The first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23) echoes this truth: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” The Hebrew word “hebel” means “breath” or “vapor” – something that vanishes quickly. The author reminds us that hard work, wisdom, and success are all temporary. We work hard, but when we die, everything we earned goes to someone else – maybe even to someone who never worked for it! This, he says, is not only vanity but also injustice.
Looking Above – Paul’s Teaching
In the second reading (Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11), St. Paul tells us to “seek the things that are above.” He warns against immorality, greed, and desires that enslave us. Greed is called “idolatry” because it makes wealth our god. Paul reminds us that we are “a new creation” in Christ – our true treasure is not in the things we see, but in the unseen, eternal things of heaven.
Lessons for Our Life
1. The Illusion of Wealth: All creatures gather resources – ants store grains, birds build nests, dogs dig holes, termites build mounds. Likewise, humans gather wealth to survive. But when wealth becomes our master, it turns into a trap. We need wealth to live, but we must remember: wealth is a tool, not our life’s purpose.
2. The “I” Problem: Wealth can make us self-centred. Like a mirror with silver backing, it shows us only ourselves. The rich man in the parable could only see his barns, his crops, his plans. True wealth is when we can look beyond ourselves and see the needs of others.
3. The Burden of Endless Toil: Work is good. Effort builds the world. But when work consumes all our joy, relationships, and peace, it becomes meaningless. We must learn when to say, “This is enough. I am content.” A heart that is always comparing and competing will never rest.
4. A New Rule of the Game: We often live as if the one with the most “toys” wins. But Paul reminds us that life is not about accumulating things but about seeking the “things above” – faith, hope, and love. These are the treasures that never pass away.
In Short: Wealth comes and goes. It is only when we use wealth for love, service, and generosity that it gains eternal value. A coin is valuable only if it “circulates.” Likewise, wealth becomes meaningful when it moves – when it flows into the lives of others.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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