EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR C
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Psalm 90;
Colossians 3:1-5,9-11; Luke 12:13-21
ALL SHALL PASS BUT OUR LOVE FOR GOD
The theme of today’s readings is “detachment – not holding too tightly to the material world and things”. It is about realizing that all things that exist are ephemeral. It is in the nature of things to end. Whatever they are, they will end. They will pass.
In our personal experiences, we can agree that, despite the beautiful things in this world, they do not last. Even the most beautiful human experiences and friendships do not last forever. It is in the nature of things.
This truth is encapsulated in the first reading when it says, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” This reading perfectly describes the nature of worldly things. The word ‘vanity’ is the Hebrew ‘havel’, which means “bubble or vapor.” This is the nature of things; they are like a bubble or vapor.
In fact, as a way of emphasis, Ecclesiastes describes all that is considered human success as vanity. We see this when he mentions “wisdom, knowledge, and skill,” which are generally what a man needs to be successful on earth. But the success that comes from them must be left behind, in other words, it will end. Everything in this world will end. As we age, it becomes clearer that nothing is permanent. Our successes, our struggles, and our positions will end.
Are we then left in despair? Does life then have no meaning or essence?
Perhaps for some people, but not for us who believe in Christ. The Gospel teaches us that we must not put our trust in these things. We must not cling to them; we must not be possessed by the possessions of this world. We must be rich in the things that matter to God. How can we be rich in the things that matter to God?
Paul says, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” Seeking the things that are above means seeking the things that are permanent. He does not ask us to ignore the things of this world, but to put God first. Putting Him first means dealing with the things that tempt us to cling to the things of this world, such as greed, anger, and evil desires.
Seeking the things above means seeking God’s will. When we keep our will aligned with God’s will, we can then look correctly at the things of this world. We can do this by following Jesus and His teachings. When we follow Jesus, we become new, and every day God helps us to become more like Him. We must allow Him to do so.
Seeking the things above means seeking to live in love, to be in love with God and the things of God and with one another. If we love Him, we will put Him first in everything. Love is the most important thing because God is love, and that makes all the difference. If I love God above all else, then all things can be seen in their proper perspective.
Rev. Fr. Delight Carbonu
