Reflection by Fr Prabhu Antony; Assistant Priest, St Agatha's, Cranbourne.
First Reading Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23,
Second Reading Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11,
Gospel Luke 12:13-21
Today's readings prompt us to consider a fundamental question: where do we find genuine security and purpose? The Gospel of Luke (12:13-21) shares the story of a prosperous man who, after a plentiful harvest, decides to build larger storage facilities for his wealth. He assures himself, "My soul, you have plenty of good things... take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time." Yet, God refers to him as a "fool" because that very night, his life will be required of him. All his possessions will then be of no value.
This parable powerfully illustrates the message of Ecclesiastes (1:2): "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity." The endless pursuit of more—more money, more possessions, more security—is ultimately empty and without lasting meaning. It is like chasing the wind, a diversion from what truly matters.
So, what truly matters? The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 89(90) that "In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." Our security is not found in what we own, but in God. The reading from Colossians (3:1-5, 9-11) encourages us to set aside earthly desires and to "look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is." Our genuine life is not found in our possessions, but in our relationship with Christ.
Let us not be like the prosperous man in the parable, building ever-larger stores for a life that can change in an instant. Instead, let us build our lives on the eternal refuge of God, a refuge that desire for possessions cannot diminish and death cannot destroy. Let us be generous with what we have, understanding that our true treasure is not on earth, but with Christ in heaven.
