18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C - Riches & ‘Only a Shadow’

Friends, this weekend’s Gospel parable is unique. It is one of the few in which God appears as a character and even speaks. That alone should make us pause. God is speaking—so we must listen carefully.

Act One: A man comes to Jesus with a legal concern. "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Did he think Jesus was a lawyer? A judge? Or perhaps just one of the rabbis well-versed in the Law? Maybe he hoped for a wise ruling. But Jesus sidesteps the request, as if to say, "There are courts for that." Still, he seizes the moment to teach. A parable follows, giving us a chance to reflect on our values, our priorities, and how we perceive life. "There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest…"

Act Two: The story begins well enough. Who wouldn’t want to be in the rich man’s shoes? Security, abundance, prosperity. Picture his ample table, laden with food, surrounded by important guests. Picture his vast estate. His biggest problem? Where to store all his grain. Who wouldn’t want such a problem? But here comes the turning point: Just when we are lulled into comfort and admiration for this successful man, the parable turns. A verdict is delivered—harsh and sudden. God speaks: "You fool, this very night your life will be demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—to whom will they belong?"

Note that it doesn’t say that God takes his life. Who will? A jealous relative? One of the poor peasants longing for a better future? Riches attract envy—and sometimes worse. What matters is this: In the midst of comfort and self-congratulation, the man’s life utterly collapses. All is lost. Why? What caused his downfall?

One striking detail: He speaks only to himself. "What shall I do?" "I will tear down my barns…" "I will say to my soul…" There is no one else in his world. No wife. No family. No mention of neighbors, friends, workers—or God. He is a man wrapped in his own echo chamber. He consults no one but himself.

God calls him a fool. We are not made to live alone. We are part of a community. Our decisions do affect others. Were his employees struggling? Could they have shared in his abundance? He doesn’t ask. He is governed by no sense of limit. How much is enough? How much is too much? He is deluded by his possessions. He calls them "good things." Today, we might say "blessings." But if we equate possessions with God’s favor, what does that say about the poor—those who lack such "blessings"? What of their place in God’s sight?

Let us remember: this man’s logic earned him God’s rebuke—"You fool." In light of this parable, being "rich in what matters to God" means something deeper. It means not making life’s big decisions in isolation. It means discerning what God desires. It means praying—and listening. It means asking, "What next?"—and inviting others into the conversation, especially those whose lives are affected by our choices: spouses, families, colleagues, communities.

So what does it mean to be "rich in what matters to God"? It means not trusting in things that cannot last. It means viewing our possessions in light of others’ needs. It means asking, "How much do I really need?" It means recognizing the real blessings in our lives: our relationships, our capacity for compassion, the gifts of creation that nourish and sustain. Each of us can make our own inventory: Who or what do I treasure? What makes me rich in God’s sight?

In honor of this Gospel, we would like to share our latest video, "Only a Shadow", a beloved hymn written by Carey Landry in the 1970s. It quickly became a favorite in Catholic communities for its message of humble service and the gentle reminder that our love and faith are only a shadow of God’s infinite love. "Only a Shadow" is often sung during Communion, moments of prayer, or times of reflection at Mass, filling the church with a spirit of peace and surrender.

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.