Some say, “Capitalism is based on greed.”
Economics 101 could not disagree more.
When Paul buys meat from Joe-the-Butcher he does so “out of a belief” that the meat is more valuable to him – then what it is costing him to purchase it.
So, Paul willingly exchanges his money for the meat. He is not forced to beg for the meat, nor is he coerced into buying the meat. If he wants to, he can go elsewhere to make his purchase. He buys it – because he sees some benefit in having it. Paul uses gift cards! Good boy, Paul!
Likewise, Joe-the-Butcher sells the meat willingly. He sells the meat because he believes the money – is more valuable to him then the meat he is selling.
In a capitalistic system – both parties benefit. Capitalism is based on mutual benefit.
At the end of the day, both Paul and Joe-the-Butcher are happy. End of story!
It does need to be stated (however) that “some capitalists” – are indeed greedy. They only look out only for themselves.
Jesus does not always attack money and wealth. Money, power, and wealth are not necessarily bad. Possessions are not necessarily bad.
Jesus, it would seem, did have a problem with “greed.” All greed.
Jesus worried about possessions possessing people. Caring for a lot of possessions – makes caring for what God cares about – more difficult. Possessions, like wealth or money can become a distraction.
Jesus was apparently concerned that possessions, power, wealth, money can distract us from the “True Wealth” – which is only to be found in God.
I am sure you remember the commandment: “Thou shall not covet.”
To “covet” means to seek, want or desire something that belongs to someone else. Coveting – it has been said, is the very heart of sin. Coveting goes hand in hand with greed. It is also at the very heart of most addictions.
Sometimes, we desire and want things that are not necessarily good for us.
And sometimes we desire and want things that are good for us.
So Jesus, “the great-story-teller” decides to tell another story and this time about “greed.” As is his norm, he tells a story to illumine, enlighten and to draw a virtual picture…in people’s memories.
As he tells this story – he is acutely aware that 90% of all the people lived at the level of “barest subsistence.” They only survived – day to day! (And sometimes, even hour-to-hour!)
So therefore, a “BIG LANDOWNER” with “BIG BARNS” holding “MUCH GOODS” is not likely to generate “much sympathy” in a world where – “most people” were losing what” little land” they had and “many others” were being driven off their land into destitution and homelessness.
If anything, “all sentiments” would have been “against” the big LAND OWNER.
The rich man talks only to himself…and he probably thinks only of himself…
The assumption is made that he has no consideration for his neighbors who would have “all been” poor peasants.
Luke’s contention would be – because he is disregarding his neighbors, he must also be disregarding God.
The guy not only talks to himself, but he actually addresses himself (as if, he were “out of” his own body!)
He is not only “disconnected” or “disassociated” from his neighbors, he is also disconnected from his own self.
Jesus calls him a fool. Not because he is a bad man. But rather, because … his priorities are all messed up.
So, how are YOUR priorities doing?
He is called “a fool” because he is a “blockhead” a “nitwit” a “fool” not because he is enjoying himself…Because there is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself!
But because … he is going to die – in just a couple of hours…and his life is not in order. Is YOUR LIFE in order, right now today???
The Greek here says, “God gave the man “life” in the first place…and now, he is simply “requiring” it back.
He was a “fool” because in the pursuit of “more and more profits,” he neglected his neighbors and God.
He did not focus on things that are really important. For him, there was no balance. “It was all for one, and none for all.” He was greedy. He was selfish. He did not care about others. “THE MARKET” was his God.
And now, with only minutes yet to live – what did all of his money, all of his riches, all of his barns, all of his goods, and stuff, wealth and power get him?
Get YOUR priorities straight!