Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 14:12-14), we hear a story about the poor and those that are less fortunate. Jesus’ mission on earth was to show each of us the way to heaven. It’s simple, the way to heaven is through self-sacrifice. The disciples were more worried about inviting the wealthy and influential to have dinner with them to impress Jesus. They also had expectations in return. When they invited someone to dinner, they expected an invitation in return. But Jesus told his disciples that they need to “invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.” If we are truly generous, our gifts are given without any expectations in return. True gifts are a measure of self-sacrifice to the receiver. Therefore, true generosity comes from the heart and soul. As soon as we expect something in return, the gift is no longer from the soul but influenced by our own greed. God loved us so much that he sent his only son to save us. Jesus was a servant to humanity. He gave everything he had to save mankind. He even gave his life for us. Jesus expected nothing in return for his generosity. He died on the cross for our sins. He died on the cross knowing that many of us would not respect or honor him. He died on the cross knowing that we would deny him. He died on the cross knowing that we are a fallen society. We cannot out give God. Everything we have is a gift from God. And all God asks of us is to share these gifts unconditionally with our neighbors. Our reward for our generosity “will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

A Simple Prayer

Lord God in Heaven. You shower me with so many gifts and talents.

Free me to give freely to others and to share the gifts you have given me.

Purify my heart so I want not but give my love to others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon