The Parable of the Rich Fool
No fixed feast day in the calendar
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A rich man plans bigger barns to hoard everything for himself, but forgets to be rich in what matters to God
What is this parable?
Someone asked Jesus to tell his brother to share the inheritance with him. The Lord did not settle the quarrel, but taught: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Lk 12:15). Then he told this parable (cf. Lk 12:13-16).
The story
There was a rich man whose land produced a great harvest. He thought: I have no more room to store it; I will tear down my old barns, build bigger ones, and store all my grain and goods there. Then he told himself he would rest, eat, drink and enjoy himself as much as he liked, since he had enough to last for many years (cf. Lk 12:16-19).
All through his plan, he talks only to himself: “I”, “my”, “myself”. He does not ask God, and he does not think of anyone else. But God calls him a fool, because that very night he will die, and everything he has stored up will go to someone else (cf. Lk 12:20). The Lord concludes: “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Lk 12:21).
What does Jesus want to teach you?
A good harvest is a gift from God; there is nothing wrong with it. What is foolish is thinking that riches can protect your life and your happiness. The Lord is not threatening that anyone who wants things will die suddenly; he is reminding us that everyone’s life comes to an end one day, and then only love remains. Being rich in what matters to God means living with love, thanking God, and sharing with people in need. Those are things you can take with you forever.
A lesson for you
- Thank God every day for what you have.
- Practice sharing your things, snacks and treats with your brothers, sisters and friends.
- Do not ask for new things you do not really need; save up to help the poor.
- Remember that time is a gift from God too; give some of it to God and to others.
Identifying marks
- Sacks of grain piled high, with his hand resting on them: greed that wants to keep riches for oneself and leans on them as if they could guarantee one’s life.
- Two rows of huge new barns, packed with sacks of grain: a picture of the plan he is making, since the Gospel does not say the barns were ever finished: “I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones” (Lk 12:18), thinking of himself and forgetting God and the poor.
- A fine purple cloak trimmed with gold: being rich is not bad in itself; what is wrong is that he thinks only of himself.
- He looks up, startled, at a sky that is growing dark: God’s words: “this night” (Lk 12:20); life is short, and we cannot keep anything when we go.
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Compiled by i-Catholic · About