Jesus told the story of the rich farmer whose land produced abundantly. In an attempt to store the harvest, the farmer decided to build bigger barns so he could finally relax and enjoy life. But the farmer died that night and couldn’t take any of his riches with him. Then Jesus told the disciples not to worry about what they would eat or what they would wear.
As we read this parable, what are we to learn? We could walk away knowing we should not be greedy or hoard stuff, but perhaps there is another lesson. Jesus asked us not to worry—not to live in hunting mode, always looking for things to make our lives perfect.
What would happen if we all believed there would be enough? That we’d have enough to survive, even thrive? That we’d be enough to measure up? That God would provide?
This message was adapted from “Living into Lightness” by Catherine Malotky that appeared in the May 2005 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine. Today is the 14th Sunday after Pentecost.
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