Christian Art | Parables Of Jesus | King James Audio Bible KJV
Luke 12: 13-21 – Sunday Week 18 (Year C) | Week 29 Ordinary Time, Monday (King James Audio Bible Spoken Word)
13 ¶ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
In the clamour of people crowding to be near to Jesus, one man comes to Jesus with a problem which is entirely his own and has nothing to do with his or anyone’s spiritual life. He asks Jesus to use his influence to solve a family dispute about material possessions, the family inheritance, by telling his brother to divide the inheritance fairly.
The man’s problem is real enough to him – an injustice has been committed – but Jesus firmly rejects the role of arbiter. This is not why Jesus is here. It is not part of our Lord’s redemptive mission to intervene in such matters. Jesus gives to us key spiritual, moral and social precepts, and these inspire our actions. We are endowed with the intelligence and freedom to order our lives and circumstances according to Christ’s way.
This incident does, though, lead into the exposition of a principle which does indeed have some bearing on the man’s problem. Jesus offers a reflection on wealth and attitudes to wealth which may indeed imply a criticism of the man – perhaps of the man’s seeking to bring his material concerns, his concerns about wealth, in the way of the infinitely more significant spiritual path being trod by Jesus. The man wants his inheritance; Jesus rebuffs him, then continues to teach his disciples, warning them now about the evil of covetousness. Possessions, Jesus will go on to say, don’t matter; indeed, the disciples should sell what possessions they have and store treasure in heaven (12: 33-34).
The parable of the rich fool gives vivid dramatic expression to the teaching, that a life may become so clogged with transient material possessions that the soul loses sight of God, and has no treasure in heaven laid up for eternal life. We are asked to think of the sense of life. In the parable, the jolly, self-satisfied anticipation of a long and well-fed life to come – with, it seems, no thought of sharing – is immediately exposed as the short-sighted thinking it is as God calls time. The absolute contrast between delusion and reality, and the suddenness of the reversal of fortune, force listeners to stand right back and reconsider their values. We are bound to ask: where are our treasures stored?
God, Lord and master of the vineyard, you allot us our tasks and determine the just rewards of our labours.
Help us to bear the burden of the day and accept your will in all things without complaint.
Through Christ our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
The Parable of the Rich Fool highlights dangers of focusing on material wealth and the evil of coveting what is not rightfully ours. In the Ten Commandments, it is written: ‘Thou shalt not steal’ and ‘Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, wife, or goods.’ The commandments call upon us to recognize the vanity of wealth and such harm our desire for material wealth must cause to others and to our relationship with them.
Indeed, in quest for material satisfaction, we set ourselves against Christianity as we give way to sin. Lust of the flesh precludes spiritual renewal.
Pope Francis has spoken of the need for harmonious relationship with the world and with one another, and the dangers of pursuing material wealth at the expense of others. He has emphasized the importance of caring for creation, including natural resources, and of working to address poverty and inequality in the world. He reminds us that we are all part of one human family, and that the earth and its resources are not just for the benefit of a few, but are to be shared and cared for by all.
Pope Francis has called for a culture of encounter, in which we reach out to one another, listen to one another, and work together to build a better world for all. This means rejecting the delusion of material wealth and instead seeking to live a life of simplicity, humility, and generosity. By living in this way, we can resist temptation to accumulate wealth for ourselves, and instead work to build a world in which all can flourish.
As we explore through the parables of Jesus relationship with God, an understanding of the meaning of parables is that within the context of engagement with the parables we are present with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane – toward crucifixion of Jesus and hence redemption.
Psalm 26 declares innocence and an earnest request for divine scrutiny and vindication. It represents a heartfelt commitment to living a life characterized by integrity and righteousness as perceived by the Lord [ … ]
Saint Polycarp continues his reflection on the Christian life and the duties of the Church’s ministers. His words are both pastoral and deeply practical. He insists that presbyters — that is, priests or elders — must mirror the compassion and mercy of Christ himself. They are to care for the sick, the poor, widows, and orphans, the most vulnerable members of the community. Polycarp’s vision of ministry is not one of authority alone but of service, modelled on the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
