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Lent - Week Three 2010
By Pat Lee | March 9, 2010
Tuesday ; March 9th , 2010
Readings : Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31
Scripture Verse: Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:
Reflection : Lotteries are part of the fabric of Canadian life. It can seem like every gas station and convenience store has some sort of lottery tickets available. A few years ago there was a report about a survey that asked people what they would do with the money if they won the lottery. The results, unsurprisingly, showed a pretty self-centred focus on the spending of the money. It centered on paying off bills, buying new homes/cars etc., quitting jobs to travel. While some said they would also “help” family members only 2% of those surveyed said they would give any money to a charity.
Over and against this survey we also know that many people are quite generous when confronted by the needs of others (the earthquake in Haiti for example).
Clearly the gospel story provides us with a stinging commentary on selfishness, especially when selfishness is characterized by indifference to the plight of the poor by the rich. It provides us with a reminder that the response we make to instances such as the plight of Haiti is the right response. It is, to say the least, somewhat sobering to listen to Jesus’ warning that if we neglect the less fortunate now, then we will be neglected in the afterlife.
The message is to share some of what we have with those who have far less than we do. The message is to recognise how much God has blessed us and to trust in God to continue to bless us as we share. Jeremiah wrote: If we trust in humans we become a desert. If we trust in God we become a fountain. In Lent we are invited to remember that “all that is in the heavens and on the earth are thine…all things come from thee” and that we are trusted to use some of what God has given us to help those who need help…”of thine own have we given thee”.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be grateful for all you have given us. Help us to use these gifts to help others. Amen
Topics: Lent |