And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, "What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there will I store all my grain and my goods.... Luke 12: 16-18 RSV
This was taken from today's gospel reading when our Lord was teaching the crowd about greed. If we examine our own hearts we will soon realize that a greedy heart is a heart full of fear of having to do without. I know if I examine my own heart this is true.
Does it make sense to say that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and that everything I have is given to me by him and then turn around and not respond to those in need around me? I think a possible meaning behind today's gospel is to truly give everything we have to God as a good steward of his gifts does.
Friends, I am not saying that we need to give all of our money or posessions away and do without anything. Rather, I think he would have us offer up our time, talents, body and financial resources to helping those around us when we see others in need.
I wanted to update you all on my kidney donation to Aunt Lois. Lois and I received a regretful call last week from the Kidney Transplant Team on Thursday. They have accepted me as a healthy donar, however they will not use me as a donar to Lois. Because her blood type and mine is different they feel it would be prudent to test other possible candidates with similar blood types so that she doesn't have to take as much anti-rejection meds. So for now, God's will is for us to wait for another person with the same blood type to be approved as a donar.
With the prospect of donating a kidney behind me, I will be resuming my search for employment while I live in discernment.
All of your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Please keep Aunt Lois in your prayers as well.
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2 comments:
Well Chris - I'm sorry that your aunt still doesn't have a donor, but am a little relieved that you aren't at this time considered the best match.
It interesting that your comments for this posting were on the rich man who built the bigger barns. I also started a blog recently - just to practice my writing skills, and also commented on the bigger barns reading. I agree that fear seems to be at the base of our desire for more. I know it is for me.
Peace.
And, yet...when someone is in need, does the Lord unequivocally state that we must help them if it is to the detriment of ourselves?
I agree living a life of gratitude and abundance in service to others is important. I think it is what God calls us to do...to serve others, however...if we decide that we lose too much of ourselves in doing so, does this make us selfish or preservationist?
Sorry to hear about Lois. I didn't realize and didn't think to ask you when we chatting on the phone the other day.
Love ya!
C
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