Today's Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
I had a friend who repeatedly admired a medieval-looking necklace that my mother had given me. It was a “cross patty” in jewels of brown and green that hung on a set of three leather thongs. At some point, I felt strongly that the Holy Spirit wanted me to give it to her. The necklace was beautiful; I loved it; my mother had given it to me. I refused.
Morning prayer became a struggle over that pretty necklace: I felt the Holy Spirit ask me if I would give it to her, but I didn’t want to.
I finally prayed, “I don’t want to, but I know You want me to, so if you’ll make me want to, I will.” I eventually wrapped it in birthday paper and gave it away, dreading to ever see it draped on her neck. Within the week, I experienced the most incredible spiritual breakthrough, and I suddenly understood exactly why the Holy Spirit was so intent on drawing me to that little sacrifice.
This Gospel reading is my favorite principle in Christianity. Dear One, I have experienced this truth: you cannot out-give God. In fact, I dare you to try. If you are prompted, give something you love away, even to a stranger. Risk big, and watch what God does.
Ponder:
Do I need to forgive someone who hurt me deeply? What would happen if I did?
Pray:
Lord, show me where I can give something I love away. Help me to risk it. Thank you for giving me Your Son.
We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.
Copyright 2015 Sonja Corbitt
Sonja Corbitt is a member of the Catholic Vitamins Podcast Team. She is a growing voice of Scriptural Evangelization, speaking at conferences and in parishes around the country. Sonja can be found at her website www.pursuingthesummit.com.
About the Author
Deacon Tom
Deacon Tom Fox and his wife Dee are co-hosts of the CATHOLIC VITAMINS Podcast for over 6 1/2 years. Tom has also been a member of the Catholic Mom columnists team for eight years, and was a regular contributor to the Catholic Moments Podcast for three years. Most recently, Deacon Tom has been leading a project to bring Catholic radio to the north central Arizona community where he and Dee reside. Blessings!
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