Dear brothers and sisters, one of the greatest illusions of our time is that having more will make us happier. We live in a world where success is often measured by possessions, achievements and social status. Yet despite unprecedented material abundance, many people still experience loneliness, anxiety and spiritual emptiness. This Sunday’s readings remind us that while our bodies need food, our hearts hunger for something far greater which is the life that only God can give.

In the first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21–23), we hear the famous words, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” The Book of Ecclesiastes was written during a period when Israel reflected deeply on the meaning of life amid prosperity and disappointment. The sacred author observed that human labour, wealth and accomplishments are temporary. A person may work tirelessly only to leave everything behind for someone else. This is not a rejection of honest work or success but a warning against making earthly achievements the foundation of our identity. Anything that replaces God at the centre of our lives will eventually disappoint us because everything in this world is passing.

That wisdom speaks powerfully today. Many people devote enormous energy to building careers, accumulating wealth or gaining recognition, yet neglect their marriage, family life, friendships or relationship with God. We can become so busy making a living that we forget to live. Even within the Church, it is possible to become occupied with activities while neglecting prayer, silence and intimacy with Christ. The question is not whether we possess things but whether our possessions possess us.

In the Gospel (Luke 12:13–21), someone asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute. Rather than acting as a legal judge, Jesus exposes the deeper issue which is greed. He tells the parable of the rich fool, whose land produces an abundant harvest. Instead of thanking God or sharing with those in need, the man decides to build larger barns to store his wealth. He speaks repeatedly about “my crops”, “my barns” and “my goods”, yet never once mentions God or anyone else. That very night his life is demanded of him and everything he accumulated becomes meaningless.

Saint Luke wrote his Gospel to Christian communities living within the Roman Empire, where wealth often determined social status and security. Jesus challenged that mentality by teaching that true riches are found not in what we store but in what we share. The rich man was not condemned because he was successful but because he believed that material abundance could guarantee his future while excluding God and neglecting his neighbour.

This is a message our own communities urgently need to hear. We are encouraged to upgrade, consume and accumulate more than ever before. Advertising constantly tells us that the next purchase will finally satisfy us. Yet Christ asks a different question, are we becoming rich in the sight of God? Do we use our blessings to serve others? Are we generous with our time, our forgiveness, our talents and our resources? Do we notice those who struggle with loneliness, poverty or despair, even within our own parish family?

Saint Paul gives the answer in the second reading (Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11). Writing to Christians in Colossae who were surrounded by competing philosophies and worldly influences. He urges them to “seek the things that are above.” Through Baptism, believers have died with Christ and risen with Him. Therefore, their values, priorities and behaviour must reflect this new life. Christian faith is not merely about preparing for heaven after death; it transforms the way we live today.

As we gather around the altar, we are reminded that the greatest treasure is not stored in barns or bank accounts but given freely in the Eucharist. Christ offers Himself as the Bread of Life, the only food that truly satisfies the deepest hunger of the human heart. May we leave this Mass determined not simply to accumulate more for ourselves but to become richer in faith, richer in charity and richer in love for God and for one another. For when our lives are centred on Christ, we discover the one treasure that neither time nor death can ever take away. Amen.