SUNDAY, September 5 15 Pentecost

Luke 14:25-33. None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

I hear those words, but as someone living in a consumer society, I find them hard to bear. Then three images come to mind:

First, the statue of Saint Francis in my yard. It’s amazing that so many admire this man whose stark insistence on poverty is so foreign to us. Maybe it’s the bird on his shoulder. Or maybe we sense, deep down, that we’re on the wrong track.

Second, I sat yesterday with a family in grief. They noted in irony that the deceased had bought a new car the week before and had been very proud of it—but how little it matters now.

Third, after reading to my sons, I hugged them and tucked them in. My older boy clung tightly and said he wanted to stay in my arms forever. I looked around the room. When my son comes down for breakfast tomorrow, I won’t hesitate to close the door to this room. Its things provide a nice backdrop for living, but they aren’t life. My son and I would be sorry to part with our things, but they are not what matters. Knowing that, we have, in a way, already parted with them, thanks to the grace of God. (1986)

PRAY for The Episcopal Church of the Sudan and the Diocese of Juba

Ps 139:1-5, 13-17 and Jeremiah 18:1-11 –OR– Ps 1 and Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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