21st Sunday after Pentecost (20th in Trinity)

Within the life of the church we often pray for the poorest members of our community but, reading the Gospel passage assigned to this week, I wonder whether we should pray for the richest members of our society instead.  Seen within the context of eternity, it is the rich who are most vulnerable to not receiving eternal life.  It is the rich who are most likely to lose out.  Why is this?  There are, no doubt, many inter-linked reasons but here I will advance just three.  Firstly, if we are rich and powerful, it is tempting to think that we have achieved this by our own skills, abilities and effort.  It is tempting to forget that every single one of our talents and opportunities are just gifts from God.  Secondly, in making decisions and choices it is tempting to rely on our own resources and never turn to God.  Thirdly, with great resources come great opportunities and temptations for carnal pleasure.  Ultimately, when people look up to you and start praising you for your wealth, the temptation is to put yourself on the throne of your life and displace God.  The sin of pride abounds and the rich inherit wealth but forfeit their souls.  Is it wrong to be materially rich therefore?  The answer from Jesus is no, but it is very hard.  Is it impossible for a materially rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  Again, no, says Jesus because, with God all things are possible.  But, says Jesus, if we are rich, we must be particularly careful.  Here is the sting: in global terms the vast majority of people living in Guildford would be considered already as very rich!