The Eighth Sunday of Pentecost

It shouldn’t be surprising that Jesus talked a lot about money. After all, our misplaced understanding and love of money can often make it the biggest idol in our lives. Sometimes Jesus discussed money simply because people asked him specifically about it, and he was compelled to respond. This is the case in Sunday’s scripture from Luke 12: 13-21, when a man approached Jesus and said: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” Jesus responded with one of his most well-known parables, what we often call the “parable of the rich fool.” Living in the U.S. in the 21^st century, surely we can affirm that we’re “rich” in comparison to vast populations across the world and throughout history. Even those of us going paycheck-to-paycheck are living at a standard that millions around the globe can only dream of. Jesus’ parable can help us remember not to be foolish with the blessings of our lives, and to truly give thanks for how “rich” we are.