Image: The Parable of the Rich Food by Rembrandt, 1627
July 31, 2022 LUKE 12: 13-21
Sermon by Dr. June M. James
In Old testament readings we read and learn about laws and edicts, summarizing the countless instructions given by the Lord Our God. A prime example is that of the stone tablet; the ten commandments given to Moses. It was the era when Israel frequently strayed from God’s teachings resulting in many commands of the not to do variety.
By contrast, the New testament readings are about sacrificial life of Jesus Christ. The Lord God because of his unequivocal love for us sent His only son Jesus Christ in human form into the world . The Lord was confident that we humans would be more likely to listen to the Messenger himself Jesus Christ. The parables permits us to follow acceptable standards of morality, to recognize ideal patterns of behaviour. Acceptable standards and idealistic behaviour patterns together shape charitable and just actions. The logic of parables and stories in the New testament may appear easier to embrace. But, in reality we are still sorely tested to meet these standards. So whether obedience to the Lord our God is to follow a written law inscribed on a tablet or swift action after grasping the message on hearing parable from Christ, being righteous or morally upright can be a daunting challenge.
In our second reading of Paul (Colossians3.1-11), there is some semblance, some literary elements characteristic of the Old testament scriptural doctrine. Dire warnings are stated, as many precautions and cautions are listed. What is the underlying message? What must we do? The message is this: Christ tells and shows us that by adopting Christ like character; that is being a Christian, will certainly lessen the frequency of moral shortcomings, and will prevent the fall into the deep pit of wrong doings.
How do we accomplish this goal? How do we carry out that deep seated, entrenched desire to walk with God. We grasp firmly the handle of Faith, as we are sustained by unwavering trust in Christ. We deliberately, serve and worship our God, with the rhythm of personal daily prayer, communal prayer in Church, studying the scripture readings . Most importantly practising and living out the teachings we learnt in these different spiritual undertakings.
We have the recipe, given by Jesus himself.. It is prayer plain or garnished. When Jesus when was asked “how shall we to pray” He listed all the ingredients in the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11,1-3). And just in case, almost like the icing on the cake, or the scoop of ice cream on the pie, he gave us the Beatitudes, Matt53-12, which outlines the character of a Christian.
Earlier we were reminded that this is the second year of Emancipation day celebrations in Canada . Emancipation outlawed Slavery. It did not give people of colour equality under the law. Blacks were systematically banned from many aspects of daily and productive living, Jobs, Home location, Church, College or University access, and professional Sports. Many of you in the congregation either golf or follow golf on TV.
When Tiger Woods, thanks to golf pioneers before him who broke down the barriers, was at the pinnacle of his career, it galvanised people of all races to take up this sport. Many parents believed that they too had a Tiger in their home. Sitting in the bleachers on the golf course ,you knew that Tiger was approaching because there an expectant murmuring sound followed by crowds of people . A mobile human landslide, an inching mass of people, streaming like ants on the fairway sidelines.
We can imagine it was the same when Christ walked this earth, surrounded by HIS disciples. Crowds of people following or around him as he taught the Scripture, or went to a quiet spot to pray and acknowledge His Father. He kept the attention of the crowds with his oratory, Giving illustrative down to earth parables to grab their attention, He performed miraculous healings any day of the week.
So… let's return to the Gospel, we heard and read about an individual “in the crowds”, likely not for the first time. This individual had perhaps attended these crowded Divine sessions with Jesus before .He will be familiar with the true spiritual content of these gatherings. What is his request ? He wants Jesus to order his brother to share an inheritance with him! Let’s think about that request for a few moments.
This inheritance was from parents, it is unclear if the sibling in the crowd had spent all his share of the money because he had to. Meanwhile his sibling had increased his portion because t of the individual brother’s dedication to hard work. Siblings may possess the same DNA but the expression of those genes can be different. How can siblings can be so different -: Identical parenting, sharing the same home; attending similar schools but external influences, may touch and shape the final character of each child.
This nudges us to questions and more questions…………… Did the successful sibling have wealth because was diligent, forward thinking, a planner? Further, Why did Mr. Rich deliberately ignore his brother ? Why did he not share his good fortune earlier? The sibling in the crowd focused on one and one thought only . Monetary proceeds after His brother’s death could be equivalent to him winning a Lotto 6/49…… But I digressed. Back to the question Jesus, can you arrange for me to get a share of my brother’s inheritance when he dies?
Jesus, the Messiah is in his middle of his prayers and supplications with the crowd, yet the only question he receives from this gentleman is not for ways to follow Christ, not about healing for himself or relations, not even what is the fast track to your kingdom but instead an inquiry regarding a guarantee of inheritance money. Jesus’ answer is pretty blunt.
“Who says I am here to judge how much you are entitled? “ Perhaps it was a roundabout way of saying why do you need your brother’s inheritance when you have me, my teachings and my presence? What you seek are earthly things, not things of and from God which do matter .”Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break in Matt. 6 19-20 In real time similar questions are asked of present day winners s ?How will you use your good fortune ? Living it up or sharing with others?
The terrible War between Russia and the Ukraine has been active since February 2022. Ukraine also known as the breadbasket of the World had tits Black sea ports blocked preventing the shipping of grain. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is quoted s saying “49 million people are one step away from famine , if exports are blocked.”, Fortunately the United Nations s have nudged Russia to release grain at least for another four months. Exports have started.
The final paragraph of Luke’s gospel pulls together greed and the inevitable into sharp focus. The storyline, that of a successful farmer whose obscene failing was character trait of avarice – which can be defined as an obsession of more, more money, more barns, more of everything. He is making grandiose plans for the future.
In his current facility the number of barns were enough, filled with grain. He planned that over the next four or five years that he would be concentrate on expansion of his holdings, Tearing down what was obviously more than adequate storage bins capacity, He wanted to expand into even lager granaries all for the “Me, Myself and I Corporation.” There is nothing wrong with his decision to increase his crop and storage room.. What is uncomfortably evident however is the implied plan to keep all for himself for at least for five years, not sharing with the Community near nor far. The silent stealth , the treachery of death, unknown to him, would end his life that night.
Jesus tells us loving God is first and foremost. Next is loving and caring for others. Someone down your street , in your parish or in the distant countries East, West, North or South of the Black Sea. Those who earn comforts are entitled to enjoy creature comforts but should not indulge in hoarding at the expense of those who through no fault of their own struggle for Food security.
Our pent up desire to please God in our personal lives, should be balanced by the desire for righteousness in land usage, and for social and racial justice in the world. This is God’s Plan, let us work together to make this happen.
Dr. June M. James
Chair Worship & Music Ministry, St. Bartholomew Anglican Church