There is a distinction between what is legal and what is moral, but given that as a nation we no longer share a broad based set of moral values we are becoming more and more dependent on a proliferation of laws to maintain the good order of our civil society. Sam Morgan is not a tax evader, but paradoxically, even if he was breaking the law he is acting in a more moral way than many of the individuals and organizations that legally avoid paying tax by finding loopholes in he law.

While some may say it is all very well for Sam Morgan to be generous, he has plenty of money to generous with, I still applaud him because it seems to me that there is a natural human tendency to hold on to everything we can get our hands on even when we have much more than we need and others have nothing. It takes strength of character to resist this instinct.

I recognise in myself a tendency to hold on to my own little pile of possessions unimpressive as they are.  Like so many others, in pursuing my self-interest I am content to know I am keeping the law.  I am discomfited by Jesus response to the young man who said we wanted to be a follower, “There is still one thing you lack. Sell everything you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

I pray for a generous heart and freedom from avarice.

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