Come Creator God into the depths of our being
Come Holy Jesus sustain our weakness
Come Holy Spirit redeem creation
Song “We are marching in the light of God” https://youtu.be/yn16ABWn20c
Reflection Luke 12:13-21 The parable of the rich fool
The parable of the rich fool forms part of a set of episodes which deal with the kingdom of God and power, authentic life consists of more than what we own. The request for Jesus to judge an inheritance matter leads him to warn two warring brothers of the danger of greed. Jesus then supports this warning with a parable showing that living is not possessing, illustrated by in the Rich Fool, v16-21.
Ecclesiastes 11:12-28, cf. "Although they say now I can sit back and enjoy the benefit of what I have got, they do not know how long this will last; they will have to leave their goods to others and die". Security and real peace come only from our relationship with God. There is often a tension here producing an either/or dichotomy. The parable is a teaching parable, an illustration, and not a kingdom parable.
Teacher or Rabbi. "Tell my brother that he must divide our inheritance with me, the property our father left us at his death". Rabbis were expected to arbitrate on matters of the Jewsh law, but Jesus is unwilling to play this role. Jesus responds "What makes you think it’s any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?" "Watch out, be on your guard of greed of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions".
The rich farmer had produced an excellent harvest. So he builds bigger store houses to hold the harvest. He had stores for many years. He has pulled down storehouses, building larger ones, and collected his grain into them. He said to himself, ”I'll say to myself - to the soul of me. I will say to my soul, Soul, you have plenty. This very night your life will be demanded of you". The word for life used here is “zwh” meaning spiritual, eternal life, real life.
So ample stores are laid up for many years, so take life easy - stop, be refreshed. "Take it easy, be merry! God is left only with the shadows.
And God said to him “You fool this very night your life/soul of you, will be demanded from you”, then who will get the things which you have prepared? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for him/herself and is not rich in relation towards God, his/her Creator.
Our life is on loan, not a right. Amen
Song “In Christ alone" https://youtu.be/16KYvfIc2bE
We believe in the Holy Spirit
Who revives and resurrects our defeated souls.
Who renews our hopes
And reminds us of our responsibilities
Who calls us to celebrate God's presence
And so to be the Gods people on earth.
Amen
