Rich Toward God

Reflection Questions:
– In what ways are you prioritizing material wealth over spiritual richness in your life?
– How can you shift your focus from accumulating possessions to building meaningful relationships?
– What practices can you adopt to be “rich toward God” and service to others in your community?

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. A man asks Jesus to intervene in a family inheritance dispute, but Jesus uses this situation to teach a profound lesson about greed and the folly of placing too much emphasis on material wealth. The man in the parable, who accumulates great riches, foolishly believes that his possessions will secure his future. Yet, God calls him a fool because he lacks true richness in his spirit.

Consider this contemporary anecdote: A successful businessman, who had everything material he could ever want—a luxurious home, expensive cars, and a significant bank account—suddenly faced a life-threatening illness. In those moments of uncertainty, he realized that all the wealth he had amassed could not purchase him peace or happiness. He began donating to charities, spending time with family, and engaging with his community. Ultimately, those relationships and a purpose-driven life became his most cherished treasures.

Saint Augustine spoke poignantly to this idea when he said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” True wealth lies not in our possessions, but in the experiences, love, and connections we make along the way. Augustine’s wisdom nudges us to reflect on our lives: are we merely reading a page, or are we fully engaging with the world around us?

In the end, Jesus reminds us through this parable to be “rich toward God.” This means cultivating a life filled with generosity, compassion, and selflessness. It’s about recognizing that our time here is finite, and it is better spent nurturing relationships and growing in faith rather than accumulating things that will eventually fade away.

By examining our lives through this lens, we can open our hearts to the greater treasures God desires for us