Homily Eighteenth Sunday Year C

 

Reading 1: The author is reflecting on why do we do what we do. How many people work their whole life and have nothing to show for it? How many have not work for what they have, since it was given to them? Why does the author say both are vain and useless? No matter have hard we may work, we cannot avoid the sorrow and grief of daily existence.

 

The farmer is dependent upon the elements of the weather; the laborer upon the strength of the economy; the politician on pleasing his constituents. In all this, what is missing? Why does the author say it is a waste of time and energy in the best scheme of things? What is missing is one’s relationship with God, whether I have or have not, whether I am successful or not, whether I am a failure in the eyes of others. My true worth and identity is in my relationship with God. So, in fact, what is my relationship with God in the present moment? How important is God in my life?

 

Gospel: Jesus sums up what the author of the first reading is hinting at. One’s life does not consist of possessions, but being rich in what matters to God. In the parable he uses to emphasize his point is to the point. People never seem satisfied with what they have. They want more, as if the more they possess will enhance their true worth. How much is enough?

 

When my worth is in my possession and not in my relationship with God, then I will never be satisfied. Jesus exposes this attitude for what it is worth. You fool, you slaved to increase your possessions. When you die, what do you take with you?

 

A famous French author, Leon Bloy, reflecting upon this reality in the world, said that at the end of his life when he dies, the saddest thing is not to die a saint. Or as Jesus says, not being rich in what matters to God.

 

When we were baptized, we were given the down payment of our inheritance as adopted sons and daughters of God. We were given a share in God’s own divine life. How much effort do we put in growing in this new life of God in comparison to the effort we put in obtaining more material possessions and comforts? To be rich in the what matters to God is to seek to be holy as God is holy. For the saddest thing is not to die a saint.

 

Reading 2: Paul develops this thought of Jesus. He says, seek what is above, where Christ is seated. In other words, seek to be with him, when you die. Think of your inheritance. Keep your eyes fixed on that prize, eternal life with God. In this way, when Christ appears at the end of your life, you will be able to appear with him in glory.

 

Then Paul becomes very specific about how are we to do this, between the time we are baptized until the time when our life ends. He says that we are to conform every semblance of sin in our life. Put to death everything that is earthly, namely what draws us away from God, namely sin, no matter what it is.

 

Jesus through his death and resurrection, experienced in baptism, has made us a new creation. Don’t put on the old self of sin with its practices. Rather, live the new self that we have become in baptism. Put on the mind of Christ, choosing the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect. In this we will reflect the unity that is ours in Christ.