RB: Ch 34 Fair Provision for the Needs of All
Mass: Ho 11:1-4, 8c-9; Resp Ps 80; Mt 10:7-15
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Jesus' words to the Apostles are a good reminder for us. All is gift. Our talents, gifts, or 'skill sets' if your prefer, were given freely by God to each one of us. We did not have to pay for them, or exhibit good behavior in order to receive them. God simply loves us and gives us each according to need. These gifts, though, are not to be hoarded or used for our own edification and glory. Rather, like Jesus told the Apostles, we are to go out and proclaim the Good News to all those we meet. We use our gifts and talents for the glory of God, remembering a favorite verse from St Benedict included in yesterday's post: 'When you see any good in yourself, then, don't take it to be your very own, but acknowledge it as a gift from God' (RB 4:42). What we have received from the Lord we return to the Lord by serving the needs of others. In this way, we love and serve God and our neighbor, simultaneously! Herewith a friendly reminder from St Paul via St Benedict: 'God loves a cheerful giver' (2 Cor 9:7/RB 5:16).
Please notice today's photo of our first Passion Flower of the season. All is gift!
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