Ecc 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
The Book of Ecclesiastes, from which the first reading was taken, is fascinating. It is part of the Wisdom literature, a literature that, like the Book of Proverbs, continues to supply practical advice for living up to today.
Today’s reading is discontinuous. It consists of chapter one verse two, the second most well-known verse of the book, at least to baby boomers, and chapter two verses 21 to 23. Were the reading to continue into the third chapter we would be able to have a sing along with music by Pete Seeger and the only pop lyrics taken directly from the Old Testament. The song is, of course, “Turn, Turn, Turn” the 1965 hit that reached #1 on the pop charts as recorded by the The Byrds
Ecclesiastes is concerned with the purpose and value of human life, both of which are being demeaned today. The overall outlook of the book is somewhat pessimistic as it wonders if enduring happiness is possible in this life; particularly if the life is materialistic, overly concerned with possessions, and consumed by the quest for money, honors, and acclaim.
There is a hint of what will be more fully revealed in Jesus’ teaching. True wisdom is not found “under the sun.” True wisdom is perceived only through the light of faith. The words “vanity of vanities, all things are vanity” summarize the book and move us directly into the Gospel.
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich one’s life does not consist of possessions.” It would be absurd to add anything to this statement. Indeed, it would be gilding the proverbial lily. It states a fundamental truth. It is the only possible response to the pathetic bumper sticker that sounds like a Gordon Gekkko motto: “He who has the most toys when he dies wins.” The problem with the motto is that one is never told what the one with the most toys wins at the time of his death.
Vanity of vanities.
Sports pages breathlessly discuss obscene contracts offered to a washed up quarterback. Prices of the latest starlet’s desert vacation home are generally seven or more figures. Despite Botox we grow old. The only way to rephrase the motto is: “He who has the most toys when he dies: dies.” As Jesus’ parable points out, no matter how securely our goods are stored, upon our deaths they go to someone else. Perhaps our heirs, a goodly chunk to taxes, or as fees to the banks and lawyers who probate the estate.
The second reading advises: “Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.”
“ . . . and the greed that is idolatry.”
We are acquisitive by nature. We want what belongs to others be it the same granite countertops, the same luxury car, or tragically at times, the neighbor’s spouse, a whole separate realm of sin. The desire for the most toys can drive much of what we do,how we think, how we act and how we choose to sin.
Bernie Madoff made headlines a couple of decades ago for the extent of his greed and acquisitiveness. The dynamics of his greed are no different from the college student who steals her friend’s sweater. The only difference is the budget.
“ . . . and the greed that is idolatry.”
And the greed that is the antithesis of generosity
A prayer attributed to St. Ignatius, whose feast we just celebrated on Thursday, reflects the responsorial psalm and is the antidote to “the greed that is idolatry.”
“O Lord, teach me to be generous
To serve you as you deserve
To give and not to count the cost
To fight and not to heed the wounds
To toil and not to seek for rest
To labor and not to ask for reward
Save that of knowing I do your holy will.
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The photos are from the Mass on the Solemnity of St. Ignatius on Thursday. Jesuits from all over Boston converged on BC. The challenge with this feast is that it falls in the middle of the summer when many faculty and others are traveling or making their own retreats. However, it was a great celebration with superb food. Can judge the wine as I am not a wine drinker. Had beer instead.
The assembled men. Approaching communion Image of St. Ignatius The schola that supplied the music. The woman singing had a beautiful voice Looking through the doors of the domestic chapel. Celebrant was Fr. Claudio Burgaletta, SJ our superior and the homilist was Fr. William Leahy, SJ president of BC who will turn over the office to Fr. Jack Butler, SJ next summer.
The Mass beginning.
Fr. Jack, SJ, MD