“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.’ Then he told them a parable…..” Luke 12 : 15 - 16
Readings this week Ecclesiastes 1 : 2, 12 – 14, 2 : 18 - 23; Colossians 3 : 1 - 11; Luke 12 : 13 - 21
Thought for this week
The field next to our house has just been harvested. It lasted most of the day. Huge trucks and machines to deal with the whole field all in one day. Clearly it was plentiful, and safely gathered.
Jesus speaks about a farmer gathering his crops. There is more than enough. We think of a plentiful harvest, of abundance, coming from the Lord is His provision and grace. Yet not when the object is to hoard. To gloat. To keep the blessing to ourselves. Not when the plenty becomes an object in itself. Pushing the Lord, the provider, out.
Jesus calls us back constantly to the Kingdom. To the outpouring of the Lord’s love and mercy, the sheer generosity of His presence with us, His loving kindness for everyone. This is an abundance we can only receive through an awareness of our poverty, our hunger, our undeservedness. We have to be emptied, to be filled.
Jesus emptied Himself, and took the road to humiliation and suffering on the Cross, so we can know His saving power and love in our lives. This is the true harvest, of all who turn to Jesus and are saved. This is the true blessing, that fills our lives to overflowing. In humility and thankfulness, the Gospel we are called to share.
Jesus emptied Himself, and took the road to humiliation and suffering on the Cross, so we can know His saving power and love in our lives. This is the true harvest, of all who turn to Jesus and are saved. This is the true blessing, that fills our lives to overflowing. In humility and thankfulness, the Gospel we are called to share.
Rev Paul
Prayers for this week
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true faith, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord Amen
Generous God, you give us gifts and make them grow: though our faith is small as mustard seed, make it grow to your glory and the flourishing of your kingdom; Amen
People to pray for
For farmers in our own nation, and those who are struggling in different parts of the world
For young people seeking work for the first time