What Happens to the One Who Dies with the Most Toys

Text: James 4:13-5:6

Reflection and Question: I trust you have seen this bumper sticker on some car somewhere: “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” Not so, says James. On the contrary, “Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire.” James concludes, “You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you” — and we remember that the poor and Jesus are one and the same, and neither resist their oppressors. How can James’ indictment of riches enter our hearts and change our way of living?

Prayer: Always present Holy Spirit, remind us through James’ preaching that we are the richest people on earth and through all of human history. Remind us today that Jesus and the poor are one. Carry us beyond charity to equality. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).