In the parable of the Rich Fool, a rich man has a fertile farm that produces abundant crops, so much so that he runs out of room to store his harvest. Instead of sharing his excess with others, he decides to tear down his existing barns and build larger ones to store all his grain and goods. He then tells himself that with all his stored goods, he can relax, eat, drink, and be merry for many years to come. 'Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality.' – L.J. Suenens, reminds us that the hope God gives us is not for selfish gain but to make the dreams of a community in love with God a reality.
However, God appears to the man and says, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' The parable explains that this is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God. C.S. Lewis points out, 'He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only,' underlining the fallacy of storing wealth as our only anchor.
In the movie 'Soul,' directed by Pete Docter and produced by Pixar Animation Studios, we find parallels to the Parable of the Rich Fool through its exploration of life's true purposes and the misconceptions about fulfillment and success. 'What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that God’s grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.' - Rick Warren. Joe Gardner's journey in 'Soul' aligns with this sentiment, as he discovers strength and purpose beyond his initial desires.
The rich man in the parable focuses entirely on accumulating wealth to secure his own comfort and pleasure, believing that his amassed grain and goods would guarantee happiness and a worry-free life. In the movie Soul, Joe Gardner, the protagonist, initially believes that his life's sole purpose and source of true happiness is to perform jazz on a big stage. He is so focused on achieving this goal that he often overlooks the joys and significance of everyday moments and relationships. Steven Furtick eloquently says, 'Our hope is not in the new year but in the One who makes all things new,' a reminder that our true purpose is found in God's renewing work, not just in personal milestones.
The rich man's realization comes abruptly when God declares him a fool and informs him of his impending death, highlighting the futility of his focus on earthly treasures. In the movie Soul, Joe experiences several moments of insight, especially after he achieves his dream of performing jazz and feels an unexpected emptiness. This leads him to reevaluate what truly matters in life. 'Hope, as it pertains to love, is the hope that the other person is, and will become, what God intended for them to be.' - Gary Chapman, this quote resonates with Joe's transformation as he begins to see the divine spark in every life, including his own.
The parable serves as a warning to the listeners about the dangers of greed and living a life devoid of spiritual richness. Throughout the movie, Joe learns about the beauty of life beyond his narrow ambitions. His journey in the afterlife and his mentoring of the soul helped him to appreciate the intrinsic value of life itself, beyond specific achievements. 'Hope is never ill when faith is well,' John Bunyan reminds us, which echoes in Joe's discovery that his faith and hope in life's intangible beauty is never misplaced.
The moral is about the importance of being 'rich toward God' — focusing on spiritual wealth, such as love, kindness, and generosity, rather than accumulating material possessions. The film conveys a message that life's purpose isn't about a single goal or achievement, but about finding joy in living and helping others find their spark, thereby enriching one's soul and the lives of others around them. Philip Yancey said, 'The Christian hope is not a hope for a better world but for a world renewed by God's love,' which aligns perfectly with the journey of Joe in 'Soul' as he seeks to live in the fullness of each moment.
The parable challenges the listener to consider the legacy one leaves behind and what is truly valued after one's life ends. By the end of the movie Soul, Joe decides to live every minute of his life with appreciation and passion, valuing all aspects of life, a clear shift from his initial narrow focus on personal success. 'To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust Him in the dark—that is faith,' said Charles Spurgeon, highlighting the transformative realization that Joe experiences as he learns to value every aspect of life, both in moments of light and in darkness.
Some questions for reflection:
What is hope?
Is there a difference between human hope and God’s hope?
How can we discern the difference between God's hope for us and our own materialistic aspirations?
What similarities between the parable of the Rich man and the movie soul?
What is the meaning and moral of the parable and the movie Soul?
In what ways do you see the parable of the Rich Fool reflected in today's society?
How do we balance between planning for the future in a practical sense and responding to God’s call and will for us?
How can we more fully live in the grace of God?
What role does gratitude play in your understanding of spiritual wealth?
What practical things do we need to do to live in God’s grace?
How do we maintain hope in God’s grace in challenging times?
As you reflect on these questions, listen to this song.
Song - OneRepublic - I Lived
Final Prayer
Loving Father, we come before You with hearts seeking wisdom to discern the treasures that truly endure. Grant us the grace to build not barns of fleeting wealth, but a legacy rich with Your love and compassion. May we find joy not in the abundance of possessions, but in the fullness of life You offer. Help us to live each day with gratitude and purpose, to recognize the divine spark in others, and to inspire them to discover the hope that is rooted in Your eternal promises. In all things, let us trust in Your providence and remember that in You alone, our souls find their truest satisfaction. Amen.
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