Trusting in God's Abundance of Caring

In today's Gospel, Matthew 8: 5-17, a Roman centurion, a Gentile and a leader in Rome's occupying army, boldly approaches Jesus, asking that Jesus heal one of his servants. When Jesus responds affirmatively to his request and says He will come down to Capernaum and heal his servant, the centurion says: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed."  What love, faith and humility!  Jesus is amazed at how the centurion reacted and says to is disciples, and to us, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel (substitute so there statement is applicable to where you live) have I found such faith."

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow as He was when he literally walked through the streets or along the roads of Galilee!  Do I have the faith of the centurion? Would I ask Jesus to come down and heal a family member or a relative,  a friend, a parishioner, an employee, a coworker? If not, why not?  Do I have the faith to bring to Jesus' attention, as did Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, that the "wine containers" are empty?  Jesus, "they have no wine."  Jesus says to her in effect, "Why are you bothering me?"  Mary does not feel rebuffed, nor does she back down. She says to the servants: "Do whatever He tells you!"   Her faith in Jesus/in God is unshakable!

What about your faith/my faith?  How solid is it? How firm is it? How unshakable is it?  Do I use it daily in all circumstances, in moments when a healing of mind, body or soul is needed; in circumstances when a life is in danger, when violence is erupting, when corruption seems to have the upper hand, when victims of criminal activities seem abandoned by law enforcement and legal teams who find loopholes to set criminals free,  when world leaders make decisions that will make life for future generations extremely dangerous environmentally and difficult in many other way? Or am I, are you, unconcerned about future generations of any race or creed or culture?

May God open our eyes to our call to see other peoples' afflictions, hear their cries for help, know and care about what others are going through, and take action to help in some way! God did so for the Israelites and Jesus did so for those whom He encountered who needed help!  Now it is your turn and mine to carry on the mission of building God's Kingdom here on earth.  That is why we are here!

The Death and Life of Jesus in Us

"...[W]e who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal bodies." We know "that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you his presence.  Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God."  Truly, "we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us"  (2 Cor 4: -15).

Dying with Jesus and rising with Jesus--all for the sake of others in order that "thanksgiving" will
overflow for the glory of God!  What a treasure and what a gift to be  an instrument in God's hands for "abundance" to be outpoured upon others, to be the "cause" of "thanksgiving" to gush forth from others in glory of God's holy name!

What a sacred mission! And as difficult as it is to be "given up to death for the sake of Jesus," what a grace to rise with Christ to new life in the dying to selfishness, to impatience, to pride, to fear, to avarice and greed and whatever blocks grace from flowing through us!  May we, each day, see patience, humility, courage, love, generosity, wisdom and all the gifts of the Spirit rise in us to the glory of God forever and ever. Amen!  

Sowing Bountifully or Sparingly

In today's first reading, 2 Cor 9: 6-11, St. Paul reminds us that "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."  How challenging it can be at times to sow bountifully. If you are like me, sometimes you cut corners by letting the other person do what we easily could do ourselves or do for others. Or we let the other do our share of the chores that need being done. Or, we know what our responsibilities are as partners in marriage, as members of a religious community, as children, as employees but shun them. For instance, a child may say to him/herself: "If mom and dad don't notice, I will get away without practicing the piano or spending time reading", or whatever.  Or, a husband or wife might say:  "Mom/dad can do that; I am tired; I've worked hard all day" and don't lift a finger to help. When we sow sparingly, we also reap sparingly:  we feel depleted, dissatisfied, less loved, less compassionate, less fulfilled.

Those who sow bountifully give the 100-150%.  Nothing is too much for them.  They notice things that need to be done. They look for ways to be helpful. They do not wait to be waited upon but are the waiters. They do not wait to be served, but are the servers.  These persons  "have an abundance for every good work...," St. Paul reminds us in this passage. They are "being enriched in every way for all [their] generosity." 

Are you satisfied with yourself? Are you sowing bountifully or sparingly? The choice is yours and so are the results!