DeanRobin :: Riches I heed not... Monday after Lent 4

This is Robin Walker's blog. I am the Dean of the Diocese of Brandon & Rector of St. Matthew's Anglican Cathedral, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. I have been in this ministry since January of 2003. My big interest is "preaching among exiles," to borrow a term from Walter Brueggemann. This blog is mainly devoted to my sermons, and the sometimes circuitous process by which I get to them, as well as current issues in church life as I experience them. I welcome constructive comment on the content of my personal posts. Comments on linked articles should be directed to the appropriate authors. Note that this is a moderated blog. I will not accept comments dealing with local and/or personal issues. The main page normally contains only material from the current week. Past articles are found in other categories.

This Month

Main Page » Seasonal meditations » Lent 2007

Previous:	Feast or Famine? Homily for Lent 4
Next:	A day of meetings: Tuesday after Lent 4

Riches I heed not... Monday after Lent 4

by Robin Walker on Mon 19 Mar 2007 09:33 AM CDT | Permanent Link | Cosmos

Today's readings, Psalm 49:12-20; James 5:1-12, both contain words about riches. The psalm counsels us not to worry if someone else becomes rich, because they can't take it with them. James warns the rich about the miseries that are coming to them. In the meantime, those who are not rich should be patient, and endure what life sends us.

I wish it were so simple! We are bombarded from every side with the images of wealth, making envy and greed the abiding sins of this age. The great hymn "Be Thou My Vision" contains the verse:

Riches I heed not, nor man’s [sic] empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

We sing it, but do we mean it?
Lord, help me to mean it!

Posted to:

Lent 2007