My dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday, the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on the Gospel passage (Luke 12:13–21), which presents a profound lesson that speaks directly to our modern world. A man in the crowd asks Jesus to settle a family dispute over inheritance, but Jesus refuses to be drawn into the quarrel. Instead, He uses the moment to teach us about the dangers of greed and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions.
“Take heed, and beware of all covetousness,” Jesus warns, “for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” This is a direct challenge to the materialistic mindset that measures success by wealth, comfort, and property. Jesus then tells the parable of a rich man who, after a bountiful harvest, decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store his goods. He looks forward to a life of ease, eating, drinking, and merrymaking. But God calls him a fool, saying, “This night your soul is required of you.” The man had stored up earthly treasures but was not rich towards God. He planned for his future on earth but neglected his eternal destiny.
My dear people, this Gospel calls us to examine our priorities. Do we focus more on accumulating wealth than on deepening our relationship with God? Are we storing treasures in heaven through acts of charity, mercy, faith, and service? There is nothing wrong with planning or being prosperous, but we must never let possessions possess us. True wealth lies in loving God and neighbour, in living justly, and in using what we have for the good of others. Let us be wise, not in the eyes of the world, but in the sight of God. May we seek first His kingdom and be found rich not in material goods, but in grace, faith, and good works. God bless you all.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
