In our Gospel Lesson this morning,‘The Parable of the Rich Fool’, we meet Jesus just as he is starting to gain a lot of followers. His ministry is becoming highly influential. Crowds are surrounding Him and hanging on His every Word. While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus gave his followers some very important teaching regarding discipleship. The topic in today’s text specifically deals with covetousness and greed; the notion that wealth can secure prosperity or a good life.
This parable introduces us to an anonymous character referred to as “the rich fool”. A rich farmer who has no friends, no community of belonging, an egocentric character who is probably one of our primary examples of narcissism in the Gospels. He symbolizes isolation, alienation, wealth and ....greed. Here, in true parable fashion, Jesus utilizes a simple story to illustrate a profound lesson in moral and just behavior. So while our lesson is simple and straightforward, it’s not without its own complexities and challenges. I invite you now to open yourselves to the Word of God and consider what God is saying to the church in this story.
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