In today’s gospel, Jesus relates about the rich man whom he said was a fool and selfish (Lk 12, 13-21). The rich farmer in the parable could be a landowner, growing rice in Nueva Ecija or corn or mango in Cebu.

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An abundant harvest forces him to tear down his existing barns and builds larger ones. With all his possessions snugly secured, the happy farmer congratulates himself, saying “eat, drink, and be merry.” He has now security protected from financial loss. And yet Jesus calls him a fool! Why?

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The reason is because the rich man did not go farther. Jesus wants us to respond to our instinct of security and hoarding worldly possessions but, more importantly, sharing them. That’s why Jesus says, "Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life."

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Once there was a rich matron who died and went to heaven. St. Peter escorted her down a magnificent boulevard on which rows of mansions stood. The rich lady saw one house that was exceptionally beautiful and asked who lived there.

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“You will be surprised,” said St. Peter. “That is the home of your katulong (helper).” “Well,” the lady said smiling, “if my helper gets a place like that, I certainly look forward to having a more grandiose mansion.”

Soon they came to an iskinita (alley) where the houses were cramped. St. Peter stopped and said, “Lady, you will live in that hut.”

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“Me, live in that hovel! This is an insult. On earth I was rich and famous!” “I understand, but this is the best we can do for you,” explained St. Peter.

“We only build your home up here with the materials you send ahead while you were still on earth.”

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The materials we are supposed to send ahead are obviously not cement, sand, and gravel but rather our acts of charity and a good moral life.

Jesus wants us to use our possessions here and now, but he also wants us, much more, to use them for security to eternal life.

“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul?” (Mt 16,26).

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Thoughts to ponder. If you think you are indispensable, take a walk around the local cemetery. Rich or poor, famous or infamous, all life leads to the grave.

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“Aspire to inspire (with good works) before you expire.”

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“For when the Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He writes—not that you won or lost—but how you played the game.” — Grantland Rice.

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Support future priests. One way of “laying up treasures in heaven” is helping our needy seminarians in their studies and formation this new school year.

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Contribute an amount or sponsor a seminarian's schooling for one year. Email: [email protected].