Guard against Greed

This weekend’s Gospel (Lk 12:13-21) warns us to avoid greed in all forms. Then we hear a parable about a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. And he talks to himself about what he will do with this big harvest. In the end he decides to build larger barns.

After he filled his bigger barns, he said to himself: “You have so many good things stored up for many years. Eat, Drink, Be merry!” “But God said: ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and all the things you have, to whom will they belong?’”

Consider the following issues:  

Do you have more ‘stuff’ than you need?  Analyze your closets, basement, attic, and garage.

Do you think you have too much money?  Write a check to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Consider living in solidarity with the poor for the next week.  What would that mean?

Did you notice that the rich man only talked to himself?  With whom can you talk about greed, self-centeredness and living in solidarity with the poor?