But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation. (Luke 6:24)

Rich can be an elusive term to define. Living in a developed country, most people would declare: ‘I’m not rich’. To then ignore this passage since ‘it doesn’t apply to me’ is missing the point. Compared to others in our society or those in other countries, we may well be rich. Visiting a developing country brings this home starkly. It comes back to my focus. Is my focus on the accumulation of material wealth? Or is my focus on developing the good in others and myself?

Lent can seem like a negative time but it is vital that each of us take stock of our lives in a really honest way. We can guide the young people in our care to do so. It’s so easy to be seduced by the ‘bright and shiny’ but we need to remember our lives are about relationships: ‘just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’ (Matt 25:40)

Have a great week!
Patrick