‘The soul grows not by addition but by subtraction,’ said German Theologian Meister Eckhart. This ancient eastern wisdom is such a welcome counter balance to our modern western culture which seems only to be interested in a life of addition; more, more and even more. Especially at this time of year; our shopping carts are full, our calendars are full and our hearts and minds are full; totally preoccupied with the rush of the season.  We are blessed, of course, to live in such comfort and abundance, and these gifts are from God. But our church has always warned, every day and in every way, that a life lived only by addition is a trap, an enemy of peace, harmony and joy.  As Jesus put it in last week’s Gospel; ‘one’s life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions.’  Therefore, a key discipline of the Christian life is learning to offset our addition with subtraction.