Our Gospel reading about hording possessions would have been very appropriate at the beginning of Covid when certain items became in short supply. We saw people rushing out and buying stocks of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other essentials, more than they would ever need but wanted to feel secure. We were told on many occasions that there was no shortage of these items but when people panic buy then the suppliers couldn’t keep up with demand. It was a worldwide phenomenon not just Australia. And it didn’t end there. When Rapid Antigen Tests (or RATs) became available we saw the same panic buying meaning that many people missed out. And again it continues. Every time the media comes out and highlights a certain product like eggs and potatoes being in short supply people rush out and make sure they have enough for themselves.
Notice the adjective that goes with this sort of buying. It’s called “panic” buying.
When we panic we become irrational and a self-preservation sets in. To avoid panic St Paul urges us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Jesus taught similar focus when he said do not worry about ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So Jesus has taught us the two great commandments to follow which achieves this; to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When people were panic buying they ignored those 2 commandments – and that is what caused problems. They didn’t put their trust in God to provide. And they didn’t worry about their neighbour missing out on essentials. And that seems to be human nature that is fueled by fear and greed. And again, Jesus warns against this: “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
What brought this on for Jesus? Two brothers are in dispute of the family inheritance. Jesus reminds them that life is not about owning or possessing things abundantly because we are never satisfied. I could cite many examples over the years of millionaires if not billionaires who have left their children an absolute fortune – more than they would ever need – but one would think “I deserve more”. And as a result of money – something more valuable than money can buy is lost – family and friends. But that’s what greed does. As King Solomon writes about in Ecclesiastes – everything is meaningless – everything is vanity.
And that’s why St Paul directs our thinking away from earthly things where, as Jesus says – where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Instead, Paul directs us to things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. In heaven is where true riches are found where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
We know this as Christians. We know the treasures in heaven that await us. But because of our human nature we panic and when we panic it attacks our faith. Peter was a perfect example when he was walking on the water because of his faith in Jesus. But once he panicked when he saw the wind and the waves he began to sink in the water. That’s the example we learn from Adam and Eve who had everything possible available to them. But they were led to believe there was more. So this becomes the foundation of our lives inherent in each of us. Which is what Luther highlights in his Large Catechism explaining the First Commandment to love God with all our heart and to have no other gods. He says that whatever you run to in time of danger – in times of panic – that is your god.
But what we need to be careful of is that we don’t demonize wealth and possessions. God gives gifts to us to enjoy. In fact in his Small Catechism explanation of the First Commandment Luther gives thanks to God for – food and clothing, home and family, daily work and all I need from day to day. There is nothing wrong with planning for the future by paying off our house, adding to our superannuation. Prepareing for rainy days is not living in fear or doubt. But it’s the selfish and excessive desire for oneself that becomes greed which Jesus warns against because it shifts our focus from heavenly treasures to earthly worries. And it is the way we treat our abundance and our wealth that concerns Jesus when we become like the rich fool in the parable who said–
I will pull down MY barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all MY grain and MY goods. And I will say to MY soul, `Soul, YOU have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’
He was rich for himself but not rich toward God or his neighbour in need.
Our human nature will always be a challenge for us particularly when it comes to things like uncertainty and money issues. And even the most faithful Christian can succumb to the impact of fear and greed. It’s a matter of recognizing when these have taken hold of our life and the damage that it can do. Look what it did to Judas who was prepared to betray his Lord for 30 pieces of silver.
As we journey into the future there are going to be challenges. Shortages of food items because of international situations and natural disasters. Continued interest rate rises putting pressure on people with mortgages. Continued exposure to Covid, flu, monkeypox or whatever the next health crisis is going to be. All of these and more can have the effect of taking our eyes of Jesus who is in control of everything. Christ who is all in all. Christ to whom the wind and the waves and all the elements must obey. Christ in whom you are a new creation. He is the one whom we keep our eyes focused on – sitting at the right hand of God and to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given.
