The parable of the rich man and his neglected cottages | READER COMMENTARY

Archdiocese of Baltimore's move to close churches would make a worthwhile biblical tale of greed, neglect and poor decisions.

Jesus loved to use parables to teach his disciples. So using that format, I present the following similitude. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is like the biggest, most powerful man living in a village with many sons and daughters who loved him very much (“‘Leave churches open, close the archdiocese’: Baltimore Catholics react to merger plans,” April 29). Each child had a cottage that they were to maintain and each child was required to work hard, earn money and give a large portion to the father who accumulated quite a fortune. He invested the money in other properties. And he gave his fair portion to the king of all the villages in another land. To show his benevolence to the village, he gave a portion to other children he did not know whom he determined were needy. He bought golden rings for his fingers and allowed himself luxuries without oversight. The man also had workers in the village for whom he provided free food and housing, furnished with housekeepers and cooks. He paid for their vacations and they wanted for nothing.

But within his own estate, his children were sorely neglected and ignored. Word came to the father that some of his workers were abusing his children. But he needed the workers so he turned a deaf ear to the stories. He told his children they needed to give him more money and to be quiet. However, it was becoming known throughout the village that more of his workers were abusing his children. He knew there was going to be trouble and a terrible price to pay. Then, a great sickness came over the village. His children were already suffering. Each child was struggling to pay the father.

When he realized he was sinking into serious debt, the man knew he had to do something to rescue himself and his position and be able to keep the things and properties he had purchased and prized. He decided that he would sell off some of the cottages. He would make five children live in one cottage and sell off the others. The children, who had been very generous and contributed to the building of the cottages on this man’s estate, were in shock. They could not understand why he could not find money by selling some of the other things or properties and stop giving away money he didn’t have? They felt he should show benevolence to his own children who had loved him and supported him all of this time until things were better.

So, how will this parable end? We watch for the next verse.

— Georgia Corso, Baltimore

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