THE FOOLISHNESS OF “I”
I remember reading a story about someone who wrote to a famous rabbi that he was deeply unhappy. He wrote, “Rabbi, I would like your help and advice. I wake up each day sad and apprehensive. I can’t concentrate/focus. I find it hard to pray. I keep the commandments, but I find no spiritual satisfaction. I go to the synagogue, but I feel alone. I begin to wonder what life is about. I need help.” And the Rabbi just sent the letter back underlining the first word of each sentence. And it is always the same one “I”.
In the gospel that we have today, Jesus gave us the picture of a man who is entirely turned in upon himself. If we analyze this gospel story, the man uses the pronouns “I” and “my” eleven times, and when he uses the pronoun “you”, he was still talking about himself. Clearly, he thinks of himself as the center of the universe. No else exists around him. Then suddenly he hears the voice of God breaking open, “You fool”. The words of God to this man may sound harsh, but God deals with us straightforwardly. He doesn’t play games; he wants us to see our deepest self and invites us to conversion. At times, we really need to hear exactly how we conduct ourselves towards others in order for us to realize the gravity of our own actions. It is only when one realizes with sincerity and honesty his/her own foolishness that one will be able to start the road to conversion. With this man in the
gospel, his foolishness lies on the fact that he thought that his dignity and value as a human person depends on how much he owns, on how rich and powerful he is. There’s nothing wrong in aspiring and working for a good life. In fact, these blessings come from God, but it becomes sinful if they enslave us — when our relationships with God and others suffer because we put more value and importance on material and earthly things. God doesn’t want us to live a miserable life; he wants us to enjoy his blessings, but with balance and prudence. Is there anything that enslaves you right now in your life? What do you consider is your greatest “good” or treasure? – Fr. Cary