Thursday 22 March 2007

Today we will enter the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke's gospel.

Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Friend who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:13-15)

First of all, this brother really isn't that interested in having the appropriate split in the inheritance. He wants the money - that's it! He wants someone who can make it happen and happen now. Probably all of us have heard of families who go into a tailspin when there is an inheritance about to be passed on. It is as though the potential to have something - even a gift...a pure gift - takes on the power to twist our hearts and minds so that all we can see and hear...all we can care about and love...is nothing more than our own lives. The gift of family can quickly be pushed down as the inheritance - the goods - become all consuming of our hearts. Imagine if this brother had asked Jesus to help him and his brother discuss how the inheritance could be used...how it would honor the parents memory...how it could be used to help others in need...how it could help them come closer to one another. Instead, we hear a demanding voice - a voice that betrays a focus on life that has as its primary focus possessions. This can happen very quickly to any of us. And yet, as one person notes, Jesus came not to divide but to reconcile - to bring the separated together.

Connection: It is always good to be in conversation - prayerful conversation - about how possessions come into our lives and how we find our selves becoming possessed by them. Today is a good day to begin opening our eyes and taking another look at ourselves.

Lord God, you bring so much wealth into our lives. It begins with life itself and then you add other people and then all the many gifts of creation. As we journey in this day, keep us mindful of Your gracious gifts and then help us to view them as your children - with grace and reverence. Amen.