An Audience of One

November 4, 2019

 Scripture   

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.  He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’  Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. …. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:16-21 NLT)

 An Audience of One

“He had an audience of one” is a phrase used to explain statements expressed by people speaking on behalf of a famous person residing with our neighbours to the south. The statements on his behalf strain credulity but they are expressed only for one person.

 For some of us the “audience of one” can be even closer to home – we really only listen to our own musings. Jesus captured that with his parable of the rich fool who chatted happily to himself about acquiring and keeping more and more, while ignoring the needs of the world around him or his responsibility for his increasing wealth.

 In the story Jesus points to the most important, and frequently forgotten, audience of one who calls the note on his life (it was all borrowed, not owned). The voices of dominant personalities and our own often self-absorbed voice can make us fearful, selfish and intolerant.

 The “One” who truly knows us and loves us doesn’t want our attention for any reason than our good and the good of all. A moment of quiet in reflection alone or with a wise friend creates space for hearing the quieter more generous voice.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving God, when you listen to me chat to myself about life, relationships, wealth or possessions, it must grieve your spirit. I worry about what some people think, I scheme to preserve what I have and yet you have much better things in mind for me. Your world needs more people listening to you about kindness, generosity, hospitality and mercy. I’m stopping to listen to your voice for these few moments.…. For Jesus’ sake