In today’s reflection on the daily mass readings, Fr Richard explores the Gospel’s view of that most worldly of subjects – money, riches and wealth
Readings for Monday of the 29th week of Ordinary Time – Romans 4.20-25; Luke 12.13-21
Many people are eagerly anticipating the Chancellor’s budget which will be delivered in little over a month’s time. There is much speculation that she will have to raise taxes in order to balance the government’s books. Already in its first year in office, the government has had to raise employer’s National Insurance contributions and has introduced inheritance tax on farms worth over £1 million, whereas previously agricultural land was totally exempt. Meanwhile the Green Party has been making waves with its proposals for a wealth tax – 1% on assets over £10 million, and 2% on those worth more than £1 billion. Should people be allowed to keep the wealth they have amassed, or be forced to share it?
No Gospel addresses the theme of wealth, poverty and inequality more than Luke. In today’s passage, which is unique to his Gospel, a dispute over inheritance leads Jesus to tell the parable of the rich fool. Here the message seems clear: hoarding wealth and possessions is futile if we are not rich towards God. What does being rich towards God entail? Surely it is all about looking outwards from ourselves, rather than inwards. Elsewhere in the Gospel it is the one who acknowledges their need of God, and who reaches out to help others, who is commended.
In the passage from Romans, Paul tells us that Abraham believed in God’s promises to him, and it was “counted to him as righteousness”. This point becomes central to Paul’s argument that all we need to be justified with God is faith in him – not earthly riches, not great learning, not even good works (though these flow from faith). Faith that God is trustworthy is the greatest treasure we can ever possess.
South Cardiff Ministry Area 