“THERE is no wealth but life” —John Ruskin

A wonderful story has come out from the tragic Fort McMurray wild fires. 

A group of Syrian refugees in Calgary have collected money to send toiletries to the victims, made homeless by the fires which have swept through destroying thousands of homes. 

Just a few months ago, fleeing their own homes, the Syrians, themselves received help from the Canadians through “99 Hampers of Hope”. 

Touched by this generosity and understanding what it is like to lose everything and start again from zero, they each gave $5 dollars to help the families devastated by the wild fires. 

Reflecting on this giving out of poverty, I was reminded of some words of Jesus: “The poor you shall have with you always,” and “To those who have shall more be given and to those who have not, even what they have shall be taken away."

Sadly, this is true in so many ways, but he said somethings else too: “Give to others, and God will give to you.

"Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands -– all that you can hold.

The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”

Bishop Rachel Treweek called the Gloucester Diocese to prayer on Ascension Day last week.

As we move toward Pentecost and beyond we are consulting in our churches and communities, to discern what God is calling us to do – a vision for the next five years.

Part of this vision must be doing what is on God’s heart, caring for the poor.

Any sense of being patronising is dispelled when I hear of the poor caring for one another.

After the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, the friends of Jesus met in one another’s homes and shared their possessions.  Wealth indeed!

ANGIE AUSTIN
Curate at Churnside Benefice