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