The winter firewood arrived this week, and right on time to meet the drop in temperature. Pilliga wood, which burns well and long and without excessive smoking. While stacking it, I was reminded of the tragic story of a travelling-man who offered to chop some firewood for a poor widow. The fellow rolled up his sleeves, cut a large pile, received his pay, and quickly departed. A week later, the poor lady found that the great pile was hollow – deceitfully stacked by an artful dodger.

How different the Carpenter from Galilee, whose method is this: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Our good Woodman builds no hollow woodpiles, but chops them honestly, and stacks them generously, and ensures that his blessings are full. (And asks for payment? Only for our gratitude.)

The doctrine of karma is not one of the Christian Faith, for that doctrine allows no place for grace, which is central to Christianity and highly-prized for all who’ve received it. But it does reflect what the wisdom books of the Bible describe as the general operation of give-and-take in this world, namely, that most of the time, you get what you deserve. And so it is in the realm of work and charity. Artful dodgers cannot escape the eyes of the great Watcher who rewards honesty and kindness.