A Homily on Luke 12:13–21 : The Danger of “My” ( 3-8-25)

 This beautiful homily on Luke 12:13–21 reflects on the deep spiritual danger hidden in the word “my,” and how it blocks us from seeing God and others (3-8-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

There was a man who once built a house entirely out of mirrors. Every wall, every surface, even the ceiling was made of polished glass. He believed he could see everything he needed inside those mirrors, his face, his success, his trophies, his name.

Over time, he stopped going out. He didn’t notice when the trees outside began to die or when his neighbours stopped visiting. One day, a fire broke out nearby, but he didn’t see it. The mirrors only showed him himself. By the time he noticed the smoke, it was too late. His house was silent, beautiful, and burning.

The mirrors never lied, but they never showed him anything beyond himself.

That is the danger in today’s Gospel. A man says, my crops, my barns, my goods, my soul. He sees only himself. Like the mirror house, everything around him reflects his own image, his success, his hard work, his comfort. But something is missing. He forgot others. He forgot God.

The small word my reveals a very big problem. The man believed that life belonged to him, that his soul was his own. But the truth is, nothing really belongs to us. Not our land, not our time, not even our life. Everything is a gift from God.

This same attitude can slowly grow in our own lives, especially in our families. If we are not careful, we too can live inside a mirror house, thinking only of my child, my success, my struggles. But we must remember, our children are not ours, but God’s. Our spouse is not ours, but a companion gifted by God. Even our time is not ours. Every breath is borrowed. Let us teach this to our children not only through words, but by example.

This same danger can also creep into our religious life. If we begin to speak of my mission, my idea, my congregation, or my vocation in a possessive way, we are no longer serving God. We are serving ourselves. At first it may seem small. But when the heart is full of my, there is no space left for God or for others. This possessiveness is not just a human habit. It becomes a spiritual sickness.

Let us look to Saint Francis of Assisi. He was born into wealth and comfort. His family had money, position, and a good name. But one day, Francis looked at all he owned, and something in his heart said, “This is not mine.” He took off his fine clothes and stood in front of his father and the bishop and said, “From now on, I have only one Father in heaven.” When he let go, he became free. And once he was free, he began to see not just himself, but also the poor, the leper, the forgotten, and even the birds and animals as his brothers and sisters. He became poor, but he was never richer.

The man in Jesus’ parable had full barns, but an empty heart. He spoke to himself, planned for himself, and dreamed for himself. But God called him a fool, not because he worked hard, but because he forgot that life is not measured by possessions.

Sharing, giving, and loving are signs of a soul that knows nothing truly belongs to it. If God has blessed you in abundance, share it with others and experience the deeper joy of blessing.

Let us not be like the man with mirrors who did not see the fire coming. Let us look outside ourselves. Let us give, share, forgive, and love. Only then will our souls be truly rich.

As someone once said, “We only truly own what we give away.” What we hold onto tightly will one day slip from our fingers. What we offer to God and give to the needy will be remembered for eternity.

Lord, free me from the prison of “my” and teach me to live with open hands and a generous heart.

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