Why the Rich man was called as Fool?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Sunday*

*Why the Rich man was called as Fool?*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 12:13-21*

*FIRST READING - Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23*

*SECOND READING - Col 3:1-5, 9-11*

*1) The Rich man was called Rich Fool*

This is one of the important point to note. 

There is no doubt that the person was very rich and he had lots of wealth and possessions

But the question is, why such a rich man was called Fool? 

Or what made him to be called as fool?

*2) He became fool, through His wealth and riches*

The Gospel makes it clear that the wealth which he had made him, fool 

In other words the way he handled his wealth made the person to be called as fool 

Some times when people get lots of wealth, they become crazy and they act like fools 

So this must have been one of the reasons, why he became fool

*3) Various characteristics of a fool*

*A) Talking to oneself*

When people speak only with the self, such a person is called as fool 

The rich person who appears in the Gospel, speaks to his own self 

He does not speak to other people and only speaks with the things and wealth  

*B) He destroys, what is already built*

When there was good crop, the space was not sufficient to store the things

Instead of adding a small building to the existing one, he destroyed all the existing buildings to build new ones, which was unnecessary and foolish idea also. 

*C)  One is praising oneself*

Here the Rich man praises himself 

He calls himself and Lucky man because of His wealth 

So when one praises himself/Herself is considered as fool 

*D) Attached to pleasure principle*

*Rest, eat, drink, be merry!*

This is the philosophy which was followed by the rich man 

For Him life consisted in eating, drinking and making merry 

When people follow this principle, they concentrate only on Pleasures. They forget that there  is life after death

Such persons can be called as fools 

 

*E) Agricultural harvest can't be preserved for Long years*

This rich man thought that, whatever he needed for life is already preserved in the godowns. 

But the fact is that, the preserved things can remain intact only for some time. After words they spoil 

Such a logic was not followed by this, rich man. So automatically this rich man is a foolish one 

 

*4) What about my Life?*

How do I see the wealth and riches in my life? 

Is it only material things that I consider as riches or is there anything else which is more richer than the material things? 

How about sharing my wealth and riches with others? 

Will I be called as fool, because of my wealth and riches???

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*