We have all been there as a child, in the aisle of our favourite toy store. We tried our very best to convince an adult in our life that we needed something, and that we will be happy forever if we simply have it. But, as we all know, this pattern continues long after the item in question has been purchased, used, and thrown in the back of our closet. I’m not denying that new things are fun to have, and I certainly give in to my very own two sets of big, pleading eyes at home from time to time. But most of us would agree that a child’s happiness will not be permanently influenced by acquiring a material object, and it would be rather foolish to believe otherwise.
As it is with many of Jesus’ teachings, things aren’t exactly black and white.
But upon first glance, do we fully agree that the farmer in today’s Gospel is foolish? One might actually argue that he is being wise and responsible. He has worked hard and his business is thriving. He knows to save up his profits from a good season to help sustain him, should there ever be a drought. His land has produced such an abundance that he needs to expand his barns to store all his goods. Then he will be able to rest easy, knowing he is set and secure for years to come. Is this financial security not what we all strive for? How could it possibly be foolish to save for the future? Does he not deserve to enjoy the fruits of his labour?
As it is with many of Jesus’ teachings, things aren’t exactly black and white. God says to him, “You fool! This very night, your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20)
The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or successful, nor because he saves for the future. God rebukes him because he only speaks of himself, using words like “my,” and “I.” He is aware of how successful his land has been, but he shows no gratitude towards his family, his workers, or to God. He has more provisions than he could ever hope to use, and yet never thinks to share with others. Furthermore, he actually believes that his purpose and security lie somewhere in that giant pile of material possessions.
No matter how much we have, we will always be aware of what we don’t yet have. We are constantly told by the media that large amounts of money and possessions will fulfil us. But no amount of wealth can make us right with God. And no amount of anything can make us good disciples of Jesus. In fact, Jesus teaches that we who have more, have a responsibility to share with those who have less. Nothing we have really belongs to us- not even our lives- but rather it belongs to God, and should be shared with his Creation.
Like the child in the toy store, we as adults are still often faced with the dilemma: Do we follow the desires of this world, or do we follow God? Unfortunately, we will falter. But fortunately, we are blessed to have a God who will lovingly convict us and place us back on the path to Him, time and time again!