culture-wars
"That is the way it works with the man who grows rich for himself instead of growing rich in the sight of God." —Luke 12:21
The man in today's Gospel reading decided to save for the future. He said to himself: "You have blessings in reserve for years to come. Relax! Eat heartily, drink well. Enjoy yourself" (Lk 12:19). In today's culture, we would call him a "wise man," "but God said to him, 'You fool!' " (Lk 12:20) Unless we receive a special revelation as did Joseph (Gn 41:35), we are not to save our money and possessions; rather, we are to distribute them. This comes as a terrible shock to a society full of savings accounts.
Every culture has its strengths and weaknesses, its insights and blind spots. Every culture clashes with the Gospel in some areas. Jesus is a Sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34). If we are true followers of Jesus, we are not trapped in our culture, but by grace we are freed to see and accept the full truth of the Gospel.
What will you do with today's Gospel reading? Rather, what will you let it do with you? What are we to do with Jesus, Who refuses to let us make Him in our image and likeness? The message of today's Gospel reading is a fantastic opportunity or a terrible stumbling stone. Jesus said: "Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me" (Mt 11:6). Accept Jesus as Lord of your life and your culture.
Prayer: Father, may every culture bend at the name of Jesus (see Phil 2:10-11).
Promise: "We lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by nature deserved God's wrath like the rest. But God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin." —Eph 2:3-5
Praise: John and Anne expressed their faith in Jesus by adopting two Hispanic children.
Reference: (For more teaching on this subject, order our booklet, The Bible on Money.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996