A Rich Man’s Dilemma--June 5, 2021

[From June 8, 2013 archive]

 

I do not think of myself as wealthy,

but more than a billion around 

the globe would consider me to be.

 

Compared to the rest of the world, I am very rich,

but it seems I am lacking some of your gifts.

Did you forget to give me a mind to understand;

or run short of eyes to see, or ears to hear?

 

Is that why I can be glad in you, rejoice in you, 

even thank you for your indescribable gift,

but still keep my wealth for myself--still refuse

to give it to the poor and follow you?

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

Deut. 29:2-15

2 Cor. 9:1-15

Luke 18:15-30

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 149:2

 Let Israel be glad in its Maker; 
          let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.

 

Deut. 29:4

But to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, or eyes to see, or ears to hear.

 

2 Cor. 9:15

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

 

Luke 18:22b-23

"…Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."  But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.  [Jesus and the rich ruler]