Reflection: Sunday 24th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” 18 Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 20 But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’ (Luke 12 18-21)Reflection:With the cost of living crisis squeezing our budgets, this parable feels all the more relevant. Many people in our country and abroad are suffering from lack of food, from rising fuel costs and dwindling savings as the inflation rate rises higher and higher. Now more than ever, if we have stored up riches in our ‘barns’, this maybe a perfect opportunity for us to give to those who desperately need our help - this is also a good time for those who are in need to feel comfortable about seeking help - ask and it will be given. Maybe give of your time, your expertise, donate to food banks or be a listening ear - God’s gift of abundance is there for all to share - it is just a case of sharing it out fairly to those need. Lyn Hayes, ALM
Reflection: Sunday 24th July and for the week ahead:Scripture:'The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.' (Peter 4. 7-8)Reflection:The early church was constantly on the watch for Jesus’ return. This state of ‘being alert’ must have changed their priorities and the way they lived their lives. They lived in relationship with God, loving others as Jesus commanded, opening their hearts to the strange and unloveable folk - they didn’t always get it right, but I’m sure they experienced lifetimes of fulfilment and peace of mind and heart, living as beloved children of God, and awaiting the return of their saviour. In our world of clamour and immediacy our lives have become over-complicated and so fast-paced that I wonder if Jesus came back tomorrow, would we even recognise the simple homeless carpenter, saviour of the world? Or would we brush him aside without a second glance? The verses above remind us what is important: a constant love for one another that turns our gaze outward and requires a pause - a time to re-consider our priorities and re-order their importance in our lives.. Vicki Young
