“And why take ye thought of raiment; consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin “
This paragraph from Matthew was spoken by Jesus as part of the sermon on the mount. The wording and context has always been of interest, especially when one is as vain as myself. I love dressing up and I especially like trying to find a natty bargain in one of the many charity shops that abound in Skinnergate, Darlington. I always hope that some of my better off friends do not catch me entering or leaving the premises.
Most of us like possessions and goodies. However, the more you have the more there is to worry about. The swimming pool pump breaks down; the hunter goes lame; the boat sinks; the gardener drops dead ........ so it goes on. If you have nothing these problems do not trouble you. Perhaps you are a lily of the field .
Likewise “ Behold the fowl of the air; for they sow not neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you much better than they ?”
This paragraph follows the theme of the previous quotation and once again seems to tell us not to worry too much. All will be looked after.
For many people the next year or so is going to be harrowing. The fall out from the dreaded Covid 19 will cause unemployment to raise its ugly head and with it all the associated horrors - children will need to be removed from private schools (quite a few of these will succumb to poverty as well), houses will be sold since mortgage payments will cease to be made, cars will be repossessed when payments fail to materialise and so the dreary list continues.
We must all try and help those in need and whose comfortable world is crumbling. People will need our help and support. Their lives will be a mental nightmare. Perhaps, just perhaps, everyone over the next few years should live like a fowl of the air or a lily of the field. Material possessions are fun but the greatest possession is peace. “The peace of God passeth all understanding.”
May the lilies of the field, the fowls of the air, and Peace be with you over the turbulent times to come.
JWG Cameron
East Layton Church