Thos of use who are not called to literal poverty can sometimes feel as if we have been lumbered with our possessions and the only way to work with them is to deny them. But if we learn to ‘sit lightly’ to them we can begin to see the goods we have as gifts for the furthering of the Gospel.
Those who have more than enough of this world’s goods face the challenge of how much they should give away and how much they should keep for their own well-being. Tithing and other formulae for giving are unequal and still leave us in thrall to our possessions. What is needed is a generous heart alongside an open pocketbook.
Working with posessions is hard. We want to hold on to ‘things’ in the mistaken idea that they will make us more valuable. We are not valuable because of what we hold in our hands but because of whose hand holds us.
The Rule of St Francis was revolutionary in that it took the words of Jesus seriously and they sought to live ‘sine proprio’ without possessions. We however live with them and must be careful how we use them for fear that they may use us.
Can privilege and wealth ever be used in the service of Righteousness?
Francis was a Rich Young Ruler who showed us a way of using all that we have to serve all those whom God loves.
Speaking out for justice and peace is not easy work and it is difficult to do it and still be cheerful. Yet, it is only as we reach for the joy ahead of us that we are able to find the strength to endure the persecution of the present.
In following Christ there is no room for prejudice or discrimination against any who are ‘different’ in any way.
As the Sunday School song reminds us ‘All are precious in his sight’ and so everyone must be precious to us as well
Life would be much easier if we could pick and choose who we are called to care for, to forgive, and to cherish. Following in Christ’s footsteps demands that we even forgive and save those whom we don’t like and who dislike us.
If we are honest we cannot ‘make’ anybody into a disciple of Christ, that is the work of the Holy Spirit. All we can do is to live lives that are so transformed by the Gospel of Christ that people want something of what we have.
Telling other people our beliefs is not easy, and when we do we need to do so with love and care but it is a task that must be done or how else will people know who we are?
Suffolk Vicar 