The problem comes when a few (individuals, communities, corporations, races, nations) accumulate an excess over what is needed for them to live a good life. When that happens, some folks, somewhere, have less and live less than a good life. When the few accumulate massive excesses over what is needed for them to live a good life, some folks, somewhere, die.
So, I take these words from a the United Church of Christ Book of Worship (page 45, Service of Word and Sacrament I) very seriously and, over the past 20 or so years. have attempted to live by them:
We bless you for the beauty and bounty of the earth and for the vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none.
People. including my own family have not understood how and why I have interpreted and lived the Gospel of Christ Jesus through those words. When I had plenty, I shared what I had with others; when I had less, I shared what I did have with others; now that I have little, others are sharing with me. And, now, I continue to share the little I have with others.
This is my way (philosophy?) of life. It isn't easy to live, but I have seen what greed and the amassing wealth does to people and no longer want to be a part of it. So now, as I near the end of my life, I shall not change, for I believe it is God's Way and thus my way.
Nick, I'm "borrowing" the first two paragraphs. They say it all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Thanks for borrowing them< Lynn, and sharing with others
Deletethank you sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Mike. Thank you for your words.
DeleteYou are a good man. Living by those rules is not easy and you are loved for it. Trust me, you are loved for it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elka. For a while when I was being called names by someone whom I thought was a friend I felt very unloved.
DeleteSir, your life style is one that I could never follow. I understand your sharing with others and try to do so myself. I could never take that so far as to trust that others would share their wealth with me.
ReplyDeleteYou know, colonel, Sir, one of the lessons stressed in seminary was vulnerability. I think I learned it well. Maybe too well?
DeleteI'm sure you've heard of "manna". I truly believe this applies to you. Whether you have more or less, there is always an abundance or "just enough" for you to share, and those to give. I really enjoyed this post, and I thank you for 'sharing' it with me. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb. I assume from reading FB that I have a young, homeless, disabled Lesbian couple in my apartment. I've been sharing my abundance with them but I fear I have nothing left to share! Perhaps, if you could, you'd share a copy of you grand book with them? (I gave my copy away several years ago to a very confused your woman). Blessings, my friend. I'll be by to visit soon.
Delete"I have seen what greed and the amassing wealth does to people and no longer want to be a part of it."
ReplyDeleteI have seen it, too, Saint Nick. Greed is destroying humankind. Bless you for sharing.
Right, S.J.! And it destroys souls, too. As Is written (wow! those can be power-filled words!) in the Gospel of Luke:
DeleteIn Hades, where the rich man was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.'
Thank you, Nick, for being you.
ReplyDeleteI feel humbled by your words, Abby. Thank you.
DeleteExcellent post, sir. very good indeed. inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Rev Saint. Well said.
ReplyDelete