Father Luca Bolelli: Doing charity for the living is better than relying on the smoke of incense!

In the Gospel reading for the occasion of Pchum Ben from Luke 12:35-40 about "Being Ready," and for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Father Luca Bolelli, who is currently on mission in Italy, shared the following reflection:

The Gospel reading shows us a rich man who, upon his death, descended into hell. Normally, when we see someone with great wealth, we might think it is their God-given blessing and destiny, so when they die, they probably go to heaven. Why, then, does the Gospel say that this rich man fell into hell?

Dear brothers and sisters! This Gospel passage serves as a wake-up call, showing us that it is very difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because they often think only of their own interests and do not share with others. This hoarding of abundant possessions is what makes them wealthy. When such people die, there is no proper place for them because they are selfish.

This Gospel also speaks to all of you who are currently facing difficulties or living in poverty. The poor often desire to be wealthy like others, constantly feeling they do not have enough and always wanting this or that. This is the greedy nature of humanity, regardless of whether one is rich or poor.

Please take some time to reflect on yourself: Who have I shared with or helped? Do not think that we do not have enough yet, or that we must wait until we are wealthy to help others or help the Church! Human ambition is never satisfied.

In our lives, no matter how desperately poor we may be, the greatest treasure we possess is a heart of love for those around us and our neighbors. There are likely people who are in greater need than we are. Even if we do not have money to help them, we can still visit them and encourage those who need emotional support from the people around them.

During the occasion of Pchum Ben, you always prepare yourselves to go to the pagoda or to the church to make offerings and dedicate prayers for your ancestors or relatives who have passed away. But please do not forget that those who have departed do not need the grand social ceremonies of today; they do not need us to throw massive merit-making festivals. Instead, they want us to perform acts of charity for the living today—those who need a little help just to survive. Do not wait until they are dead to light incense or perform ceremonies for them, as that is meaningless.

Brothers and sisters, do not try to throw extravagant memorial ceremonies for the dead just to look impressive or earn people's praise; we gain no spiritual merit from that. We should dedicate prayers for the deceased, but we must deeply care for the living around us who are in need of love, encouragement, and a little sharing from us. Only then will our lives be meaningful. Whether we are rich or poor, sharing is a noble act for life that fills others with joy and can lead us to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let us perform acts of charity correctly and meaningfully, just as the Gospel passage above teaches!

By: Roeun Sreymach