If only our possessions could talk.

The Mexican rests, Mary prays and Francis holds out his hands to welcome.  Summer rains gently fall.  Lunch over and little chance of an afternoon walk, the washing-up beckons.   Yesterday the rectory garden was a hive of activity.  Mary and I mowed and strimmed while butterflies and dragonflies danced in the warm sun.  Now, the only movement I can see from the kitchen window is the trees dancing to the winds, and the occasional hungry bird braving the rain for seed from the feeder.

You may recognise Mary, Francis and the Mexican from earlier reflections; the figures who stand watch in our garden. As I gaze on them now I wonder what they might say to me if they could talk. Possessions can speak volumes to those who are prepared to listen.

What they say may not always be what we want to hear.

Possessions.  The prophet Isaiah once asked ‘Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy?’ (Is 55: 2). Speaking for God he goes on to add ‘Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good’.  We hear much today about the quality of our diet; obesity, hunger and poor health going hand-in-hand.  None of this is new, as Isaiah’s word show, but Isaiah is not talking first and foremost of physical hunger.  We humans are body, mind and spirit; and a balanced, nutritious diet must feed all three.  As Jesus later said Do not worry about food, drink or clothing – Seek first the things of God (feed the soul with good spiritual food) and all these things will be added to you (Matt 6: 31, 33)

The washing up is over and I leave my 3 friends still sheltering under the trees.  The Mexican rests, Mary prays and Francis holds out his hands to welcome.  What have they shared?

Resting, my Mexican reminds me to care for my body.  Praying, Mary in prayer opens the door to the presence of the Holy Spirit; reminding me to do the same.  Thus equipped, Francis reaches out in the service of others.

When did you last listen to your possessions; and what did they say?

Rev Philip Payne                                                     The Notice Sheet for 6 August 2023 can be found here