Reflection - Gifts in Storage

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102119.cfm
Romans 4:20-25
Luke 12:13-21

The current excerpt from Luke’s Gospel seems simple enough; but it’s elements unfurl like a prairie storm in spring. The temperature of the day, like the temper of a young man, initially obscures the transformation that is to come. But a cooler breeze ushers in, tempering the heat and suggesting that something unexpected may be on the horizon. Sure enough, we initially anticipate and then subtly realize the presence of electricity in the air. Abruptly we are awash with the flash of new ideas, the booming impact of a different perception and the refreshment of cleansing, life-giving waters.

The incident from Luke begins with a loaded request: “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me." But Jesus, in his response, avoids the potential entanglement and renders the petition benign: "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?"

For the moment, the storm is calmed. The winds shift and an opportunity of an escape from the pressure and heat of everyday life has appeared. "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions." The caution is not just for the two brothers, but is addressed to the whole crowd. But then, there’s more to be considered than what is contained in this expression of conventional wisdom. A story is necessary and with it the evolution of the message will be complete. So Jesus relates a tale about a successful farmer. The man is blessed with a bumper crop, one that will overwhelm his farm’s capacity for storage. So the man has new barns built and rejoices in the security of his future.

Brusquely he is reminded of the normal flow of life. “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” Listening to the story, I am somewhat alarmed. What’s the problem? The man did nothing wrong. We all do the same through life insurance, pensions and annuities, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate — stockpiling provisions for a life that will end. Or are all these accounts mistakes as well?

But then, maybe the Lord’s words aren’t as harsh as we might think. Maybe the words “you fool!” are actually clothed in a mantle of distress — distress for someone with confused priorities. “Rest, eat, drink, be merry! You have so many good things stored up for many years." Jesus is concerned for this man, and for us as well. He is concerned “for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."

What are we to make of his concern and what bearing does it have on the farmer? There are at least two interpretations that immediately come to mind. The first is to simply be more attentive to spiritual matters. The second is to use God’s gifts, of whatever kind, in the same spirit with which they were given.

I am reminded of my son’s birthday gathering. My wife had purchased a toy dump truck and carefully wrapped it with birthday themed paper. She didn’t tell my grandson, Finn, what was in the package, just that it was a birthday gift for his dad. The truck had been chosen specifically because Finn was mad about such vehicles. When the time came to open presents, Finn had to help. As soon as it was clear what was in the package Finn promptly grabbed it up, said ‘thank you’ and ran off to his toy box.

Being blessed with faith is not something to be kept for ourselves.

SUMMARY

Jesus relates a tale about a successful farmer. The man is blessed with a bumper crop, one that will overwhelm his farm’s capacity for storage. So the man has new barns built and rejoices in the security of his future.

Brusquely he is reminded of the normal flow of life. “You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” Listening to the story, I am somewhat alarmed. What’s the problem? The man did nothing wrong.