Dear Friends of Carmel Mission,
In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus tells a parable about a wealthy farmer who had a storage issue.
It spoke volumes to me personally, because I have a similar issue. Truth to tell, I tend to be a bit of a hoarder. Like most issues, I can trace it back to childhood where my siblings and I were told never to waste anything. I still feel guilty about leaving food on my plate at the end of a meal.
Over the years, I’ve tended to hold on to things long after I need to, on the grounds that they may prove useful one day. Much of this behavior involves a reluctance to let go. Recently, I was clearing out my clothes closet (I should say – one of my clothes closets!) and I came across a nice dress pants, hardly ever worn, but with a thirty-four inch waist. I heard the voice of God say: Really Paul? Are you serious, my son? Give it away!
I duly obliged, of course, but not without a tinge of regret and reluctance.
We’ve all heard that when our time comes to go to heaven, we cannot bring a UHaul with us.
I’ve embarked on a plan to clear my closets. I’ve asked God if it can be part of a five year plan, but He said: No, my son, five months. (Oh well, I don’t blame me for asking!)
We all get attached to stuff that we don’t really need and probably rarely if ever use. Our readings this weekend call us to take an inventory of all the “stuff” that causes clutter in our lives. It may not merely be material goods, but perhaps a reluctance to let go of some hurt that we suffered long ago, and our unwillingness to forgive the one who wounded us.
What’s in your wallet, your closets, your barns, your heart?
Blessings,
Fr. Paul
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