Loot Bags at the Door & in the Boardroom

November 1, 2021

 Scripture

Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’  Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’   ‘But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ …... give to the poor. Provide moneybags for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail. (Luke 12:13-15,20,33 NIVUK)

 Loot Bags at the Door & in the Boardroom

 Lots of happy kids held out bags for me to fill with chocolate goodies last evening. Halloween is a fun time and it’s good to have them back; as the kids’ “Thank you” rang out, the next cohort arrived. Scary costumes, neighbours’ homes decorated like graveyards and lots of laughter – an odd juxtaposition.

 A different sort of trick or treat game is continuing to play out among some of Toronto’s old elite families, as a bony hand buried over a decade ago continues to play havoc with family, business, investments and maybe your pension. We look on, bemused at the lack of concern for the larger picture of thousands of employees, millions of overcharged customers, and even the quality of service on offer. It’s a classic pissing match and the long-departed architect of it all is reaping his desire to control from the grave.

 My good friends in the wealth management business confront these sorts of questions regularly with affluent families – keeping it in the family, on terms prescribed by the current owner, to shape the destinies of future generations. It is even sometimes well-meaning but in so many cases it is self-destructive – the stories of generational failure mirror those of lottery winners whose sudden unearned affluence is beyond managing.

 The kids last night had loot bags getting heavier after each house call. We all have goody bags that often get heavier as life goes on – some get pretty big. What are we doing with our loot bags as we continue our journey of life and faith? If we are looking for places to store our excess, maybe it is in the hands of those who aren’t from elite families but are hungry, powerless and homeless.

 A Prayer for Today

Good God, our gratitude rises to you today for your kindness and generosity to us. Thank you for food and shelter, family and communities of safety and nurture. Help us to hold our loot bags loosely and generously as we navigate the challenges of life today …… for Jesus’ sake