Catholic Identity  

Gospel Reflection

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Summary 

In this passage, Jesus responds to a man who wants help with an inheritance dispute. Instead of intervening, Jesus warns about the dangers of greed and tells a parable. In the parable, a rich man builds bigger barns to store his wealth but dies suddenly, showing that material possessions are temporary. Jesus reminds us that true richness lies in being generous and aligned with God—not in accumulating wealth. 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13–21 

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’  

But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” 

Reflection 

This Gospel isn't just about money — it's about what we choose to value and invest our time and energy in. The rich man in the parable isn't called a fool because he's successful, but because he's short-sighted. He puts all his effort into storing up wealth for himself and forgets that life is unpredictable — and that real meaning doesn’t come from what we own, but from how we live. 

This can speak to anyone: What are we building our lives around? Are we focused on things that truly matter — like relationships, purpose, kindness, and impact — or are we getting caught up in things that won’t last? 

It’s a reminder to regularly pause and ask: If I had to stop today, would I be proud of how I’ve spent my time, energy, and heart? 

Family reflection prompts: 

• What are you currently putting most of your time and energy into — and does it align with what really matters to you? 
• If life suddenly paused, what would you be most proud of — and what might you wish you had focused more on? 
• What’s one small change you could make this week to invest more time in things like relationships, your health, sense of purpose, or making a positive difference? 

Prayer 

Loving God,  You know the hopes, worries, and priorities I carry each day.  Sometimes I find myself focused on success, achievement, or the things I own.  Help me to notice the moments that bring meaning —  like connecting with others, caring for myself and those around me, and making a positive difference.  Guide me to live with purpose, generosity, and openness.  Keep reminding me of what gives life depth and joy.  Amen.