| Reading 1 | Response | Reading 2 | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ec 1:2; 2:21-23 | Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 | Col 3:1-5, 9-11 | Lk 12:13-21 |
| RCL: Ec 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 | RCL: Col 3:1-11 |
Discipleship: life rather than possessions
During Ordinary time the Lectionary presents stories and teachings from Jesus’ everyday ministry. This week’s readings focus on the relationships between life and possessions; gifts and false security.
First reading (Ec 1:2; 2:21-23)
The first reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes (from its Greek name) or Qoheleth (from its Hebrew name), written by an unknown author between 300 and 250 BC. The author adopts the persona of a philosopher who opposes traditional Wisdom writings. Qoheleth believes that while human wisdom can help one live a good life, such practical wisdom alone cannot give meaning to human life. In today’s pericope, the author sets out his view of human life (“All things are vanity/futile/insubstantial”). To show his point, the author describes someone who crafts a life carefully (“labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill”), but his acquired possessions pass to another “another who has not labored.” Later in Ecclesiastes (Ec 12:13-14) the author provides an antidote to human wisdom: look to God and God’s word for true wisdom and meaning. The Lectionary editors chose this reading to echo the gospel parable about the conflict between insubstantial human planning and God’s boundless gifts.
Second reading (Col 3:1-5, 9-11)
The second reading is the fourth and final semi-continuous reading from the letter to the Colossae ekklesia. An unknown author writing in Paul’s name sent this letter between 70 and 80 AD to refute and to correct “false teachers,” who emphasized aesthetic practices and visionary experiences. In today’s pericope, the author urges the Colossians to live up to their calling. In baptism they were “were raised with Christ” and therefore should seek and think of “what is above.” Continuing the baptismal imagery, he tells them to “put to death” earthly desires that damage the believing community. In baptism’s ritual, they have literally “taken off” their old clothing to wash in baptism’s waters, and then “put on” the new, white baptismal clothes, which represent the “new self.” Baptism changes them physically and spiritually; the believing community is no longer divided into in-groups and out-groups, but united in Christ, who “is all and in all.” The Lectionary editors chose this reading to conclude Ordinary time’s semi-continuous reading from Colossians.
Gospel (Lk 12:13-21)
Luke’s gospel recounts another story as Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem. In today’s pericope, a man asks Jesus to intervene in a family dispute about inheritance, which leads Jesus to warn disciples about seeking more possessions. Jesus then tells a parable about life, possessions, and false security.
- A warning about confusing God’s gifts and temporary possessions. To humans in the ancient world (and today) life seems fragile. Humans compensate for life’s fragility by acquiring more money or things, which seem to provide security and more options. Jesus draws a clear distinction between life, which is a gift from God, and possessions, which can make life easier but cannot extend human life. To emphasize the difference between life and possessions, Jesus tells a parable that invites his hearers to think about gifts, ownership, and stewardship.
- A parable about control and false security. The man in the parable is rich because he had a bountiful harvest. The harvest is not a result the man’s actions; bounty is God’s gift. The man in the parable is a fool because he thinks the harvest secures his life for “many years to come.” The harvest has nothing to do with his life. When God calls in the loan (or gift) of the man’s life, the man’s harvest provides no security; his life ends and his possessions are scattered to others. Life is God’s gift, and is outside human control.
Summary and reflection
This week’s readings ask us to think about the life that makes us rich and the things we are storing up. The Ecclesiastes author critiques human wisdom and finds it futile without the meaning that God provides. The Colossians author marks baptism as the turning point at which a disciple chooses and becomes a new and different person, in and through Christ. Jesus challenges his hearers to recognize the difference between God’s gifts, which are beyond human control, and possessions, which are temporary tools without consequence.
Sometimes we treat life as a private possession and our possessions as a measure of life. What do we labor over and spend our lives doing? Are we seeking what is from above, or are we busy collecting what is earthly? Do we accept our lives as God’s gifts, and give away our bounty to become rich in what matters to God?
—Terence Sherlock
The Lectionary In Context 