Monday Homily – 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I
By; Deacon Bill Frere
Gospel – Luke 12:13-21
Theme: Taking Things for Granted
Sunrise on Sea of Galilee
We take so much for granted! A roof over our heads! Food on the table! Clothes on our back! Our friends! Our family! Even the simple things in life! Being able to chop vegetables or flip a pancake! The simple act of drinking a glass of water without spilling it or climbing a set of stairs without thinking! Kneeling before the altar! So much for granted! Until it’s gone!
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Maybe it’s true what they say – you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone! I’m certainly learning that lesson the hard way after my ‘ladder’ adventure. Getting out of a chair or into bed, paying constant attention to my feet as I negotiate a flight of stairs, just simply learning to walk slowly and with purpose!
In the real world, taking things for granted seems to be a way of life – wealth, health, possessions, fame and fortune, power and privilege – all those things we think are so important! But Jesus reminds us today that none of these earthly things will last! The rich man focuses all his attention and priorities on possessions and wealth, even to the point where he takes for granted that he will always have another day to enjoy them! This doesn’t mean we should give up our jobs or our duties on this beautiful autumn Monday morning. It doesn’t mean we neglect our family and provide no food, no shelter, no clothing. It does mean that we need to keep our material possessions in perspective and that we not neglect our relationship with God or our call to care for those in need.
So let’s keep it simple today and really take to heart the Gospel message for today. “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” Material things are not bad in and of themselves. But let’s not overdo their importance or take anything or anyone for granted. We can’t let money and possessions be our one and only priority. If we could just focus not so much on building up a fortune in coin and property and instead appreciate the riches of God’s creation all around us! Let us give thanks for what we have and who we have in our lives! Don’t take them for granted! Find the time today to enjoy this autumn of bright colors and brisk weather, the beauty of Creation! And be careful with that ladder!
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