Thoughts for the Day

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘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.’

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Many of the people saw Jesus as a Rabbi or Scribe, that is an interpreter of the Law. Prior to the the interruption by someone in the crowd, Jesus has been talking about things eternal, of those who confess to knowing him in this life and their reward when they are recognised by the Son of God. It is at this moment that a man interrupts. He wants Jesus to tell his brother to share his inheritance with him. The law allows the elder son to have a double portion of an inheritance from his father, with youngers sons receiving less. But the man is greedy, and wants more.

The sad thing for us and for Jesus, is that the man is covetous, wanting more than he is owed. His mind is set on earthly things rather than on the beautiful offer of heavenly things that Jesus has just been making. Because of his greed, Jesus gives him fairly short shrift, and warns all those listening to "Take heed....for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."

Today, can we give some serious consideration to how much of our life is spent concerned with earthly possessions as opposed to spiritual ones (and I know this may be hard for some who are concerned with the cost of living crisis!). Perhaps we could try to change the balance by living a simpler life, and spending more time on our relationship with God.

Heavenly Father,
Your Son sought to teach us
more about You,
and of how to live
a better life as Your children.
May we be honest with ourselves
and change our lives
putting less emphasis
on possessions,
and more on relationships
with others and with You.
Amen.