The World So Freely Given

(Image: credit: Diocese of Grand Rapids)

Ecclesiastes 1
Vanity of vanities, all things are vanity.

Psalm 90
Teach us to number out days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Colossians 3
Put to death the greed that is idolatry.

Alleluia verse, Matthew 5
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 12
Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.
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These short verses from today’s Sunday readings caution all people of goodwill against the idolatry of greed. God is Creator and Father of us all. We embody the Creator’s image and likeness; together, we are stewards of one another and of God’s creation, which is inexpressibly good.
Thou shalt covet neither things, nor nature, nor persons. Thou shalt honor God in right relationship to things, nature, and one another. Love God, love creation; love one another.
Greed and possessiveness are not lifegiving, they are not creative, they are not godlike. Greed excludes. Greed steals and dishonors. Greed violates and kills.
Blessed are those who honor and share the bounty and beauty of creation with sincerity, creativity, generosity, and fairness. Blessed are we who teach our children to do the same. God, give us courage to expect this of one another in our homes, communities, and politics. Teach us your ways.