Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sr. Carla Vasconceles Luke 12: 32-48 It’s interesting to note how often Jesus was questioned by someone from the crowd—or from outside it. Even in situations where, at first, he seemed to ignore the call, he soon offered his attention and responded. And he always responded with wisdom and authority. The objective was clear: his words and gestures fulfilled the mission of always putting life first. Therefore, Jesus didn’t waste time and energy on issues that could divert attention from this greater good: caring for life, for human relationships, for the common good. That said, it’s clear why Jesus avoids the question narrated in this Sunday’s Gospel. The problem presented isn’t the need to heal a sick person, clarify a teaching, or expel an evil that punishes and subjugates someone… The problem at hand is the division of an inheritance. Although it’s an unfair situation—one brother didn’t give the other his due—Jesus refuses to get involved in the conflict. It’s striking how material inheritances can provoke fights, lawsuits, and even deaths. We all know countless sad stories about families torn apart after the death of a wealthy relative, fighting over a piece of the […]