SUNDAY, EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23 Ps 90:3-6,12-14,17 Col 3:1-5,9-11 Lk 12:13-21
NOT OF THIS WORLD
The Resurrection event, the foundational truth of our faith, celebrates the victory of the Lord over earthly temptations and diversions. And Christian living is a witness to the life inspired and sustained by the Resurrected Lord. Christians are physically present in the world like anyone else but not part of its values. That means, while we are in the world, we should not be absorbed by its values and principles. It implies a distinction between the world’s system of values and beliefs and the principles of God’s kingdom.
However, we have an exalted place and a great responsibility in the world, that of being the “light of the world” (Mt 5:13-16). This is not an option but an obligation to positively impact the world by interacting with its systems and structures, without being attached to worldly things and desires. However, the human condition post-original sin is primarily marked by our inability to live in communion with our Creator and live according to divine laws. Though we are baptized, we have inherited weaknesses of humanity that challenge us to live a life in union with God. The Church speaks about fallen nature resulting not in our destruction but in our woundedness, leading to a separation from divine intimacy, which affects our moral choices. Nevertheless, we are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb of God. In Baptism, we have been cleansed and raised to new life in Christ. St. Paul invites us: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature… sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry” which do not allow a person to experience God’s presence. Despite Baptism and other Sacraments that put us in contact with the Divine, we still struggle to detach ourselves from earthly possessions, pleasure, and the craving for power to dominate others. All that the world continues to offer is nothing but slavery to our former way of life. No matter how much pleasure, possessions, and power we have, they only make us restless and disappointed. As St. Augustine rightly puts it: “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in You.”
We may be different in many ways, but we face similar temptations and struggles. When we give in to the urges of the lower drives, we lose sight of and attraction to spiritual things, and, being blinded by primitive urges, we compromise our higher calling to be united with the divine. Thus, Paul, in using the expression “earthly things,” cautions us about our engagement with temporal affairs in an inordinate way; i.e., seeking sensual pleasure and worldly admiration. Paul is not condemning material things in and of themselves, but inviting us to work generously with all our heart in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to us (cf. Col 3:23–24). This includes using our time, talents, and whatever we do, in word or deed, to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col 3:17), and not to seek praise, glory, or honour from people.
Everything we have comes from God – our knowledge, capacities, possessions, and even our very being. “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor 4:7) asks Paul. We are not the source of these blessings but stewards entrusted with them. Yet, when we deem ourselves superior due to our possessions, knowledge, or skills, we succumb to pride, envy, and resentment to the point of judging and condemning others. As the first reading illustrates, worldly wisdom leads only to disappointment and life’s meaninglessness. In contrast, the Holy Spirit’s gifts that are unmerited and yet freely given, guide believers toward holiness and good works. Worldly knowledge cannot restore our lost intimacy with God. But Christ, who descended, lived among us, died to cleanse us, rose again, and sent the Spirit, empowers us to live worthily of our calling to be the ‘light of the world.’ Just as a clean mirror brightly reflects light, so too do disciples living authentically manifest God’s selfless love and mercy to all they meet.
Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.
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