IN the 4th Century, an erudite and holy bishop named Basil (canonized as St. Basil the Great) played a significant role in the formulation of orthodox theology while he interacted with the rich and influential men and women of his times.
In a sermon on charity, he said these direct and challenging words that still apply today:
“You are going to leave your money behind you here whether you wish to or not. On the other hand, you will take with you to the Lord the honor that you have won through good works. In the presence of the universal judge, all the people will surround you, acclaim you as a public benefactor, and tell of your generosity and kindness.
Do you not see how people throw away their wealth on theatrical performances, boxing contests, mimes and fights between men and wild beasts, which are sickening to see, and all for the sake of fleeting honor and popular applause? If you are miserly with your money, how can you expect any similar honor? Your reward for the right use of the things in the world will be everlasting glory, a crown of righteousness, and the kingdom of heaven; God will welcome you, the angels praise you, all men who have existed since the world began will call you blessed.
Do you care nothing of these things, and spurn the hopes that lie in the future for the sake of your present enjoyment? Come, distribute your wealth freely, give generously to those who are in need. Earn yourself the psalmist’s praise: He gave freely to the poor; his righteousness will endure forever.”
The author of Ecclesiastes in the First Reading (Ecc 1:2; 21-23) this Sunday shares similar wisdom: “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity. For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart.”
In other words, all worldly things and powers will end, no matter how much we work for them and hold on them tightly. What matters most at the end of our lives are our good deeds of charity, love, and mercy. They are the ones that will go with us and defend us before God.
The parable in this Sunday’s Gospel (Lk 12:13-21) in which a rich man stored all his riches instead of sharing them with his neighbors gives this unnerving message: “You fool, this night will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”
Let us take these messages to heart. Let us be rich in what matters to God!
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
