Fifty Shades of Gold

I must admit that yellow is not my favourite colour. I love the brightness of daffodils and forsythia in spring, but that is partly because of the contrast with all the subdued colours of winter.

But a few weeks ago, on a coach trip into East Anglia, I looked out onto an amazing landscape. The harvest had started. There were fields of ripe corn, lemon yellow against a vivid blue sky; and then all other rich shades of gold, down to the almost pale brown of a crop waiting to be cut.  For a city dweller, it is always stunning to be reminded of how beautiful our countryside is, and how essential for the health of us all.

Lammas, at the beginning of August, was the traditional festival of harvest. From the fresh crop of corn a new loaf was baked and brought to church to be blessed at the loaf mass: a symbol of gratitude for God’s protection and generosity. With all our modern complex supply chains, we have lost the urgency of this particular celebration. But it is always good to give thanks: for the golden light of summer, the glory of ripe fields, the continuing miracle of bread, giving us all life.

Where in your life, I wonder, do you find God-given gold?

Lord, as we thank you for the gifts of summer,             

we pray for all those who care for our land,                    

who grow crops and tend livestock,                             

who feed us all that makes up our daily bread.           

We remember that we depend completely upon you. 

Help us, in turn, to give freely from all that we receive.                                      

Amen.