From The Deacon’s Desk for July 31, 2022

Dear Friends:

Our first reading from Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23 seems to be a bit dire. This book of Scripture is a translation of the book of Qoheleth. The book itself is rather pessimistic. It does, however, have some merit as it tries to explain that we cannot take money, fame or anything we garner in this world when we die. So it is much better to concentrate on new life. The life we will enjoy after our time here on earth.

The Gospel message today from Luke 12:13-21 has a very similar message. It’s about a man who worries about what he will do with an abundant crop. The man tears down all his barns and storage areas and builds new ones. He says to himself “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, and be merry!” God admonishes the man by telling him that he won’t be able to take any of those things with him if he should die that day. Those who store up treasures are not rich in what matters to God.

We all have to provide for our future. It would not be right or just for us to live haphazard lives and expect everyone else to foot the bill when we can no longer support ourselves. We need to plan for the time in our lives when we will not be able to work. The message of the stories today is to prepare for those times without becoming so greedy that we do not share with others because of our fear or selfishness. How much is enough? Everyone needs to decide for themselves. The first thing we must do is prepare ourselves for the future to the best of our ability. The second thing is not to over prepare and become so attached to worldly goods that they cloud our good judgment.

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim