The man of today's Gospel reading was a fool because he grew "rich for himself instead of growing rich in the sight of God" (Lk 12:21). God our Father is rich in mercy (Eph 2:4). He also possesses the great and unfathomable wealth of His grace (Eph 2:7; 3:8). As God the Father's children, we inherit even now "the wealth of His glorious heritage to be distributed among the members of the Church" (Eph 1:18). God's children are the richest people in the world, but not necessarily rich by worldly standards.

We grow "rich in the sight of God" by inheriting as fully as possible His riches. We do this by living fully our Baptisms as faithful sons and daughters of God our Father. We store up riches in heaven by selling what we have and giving alms (Lk 12:33; see also Mt 19:21). To build a secure foundation for the future, we should "be rich in good works and generous, sharing what" we have (1 Tm 6:18).

Jesus "made Himself poor though He was rich, so that you might become rich by His poverty" (2 Cor 8:9). God the Father wants His children to be rich with His riches and by His standards. Forfeit everything: count "all else rubbish so that Christ may be" your Wealth (Phil 3:8). Grow "rich in the sight of God."

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 3, 2018

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