“With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness.” Tonight my daughter asked me to take her to a gym in town so that she could go for a run. I gave her a ride, but I was not pleased to make this extra trip and she sensed that. By the time she was done, this line (above) from Sirach had sunk in for me. Why should I make her feel guilty?
I know, I know, this line is really aimed at the gifts we give to God, but my daughter is God’s love made visible to me! (As are my sons, of course.)
Namaste! Amen!
The Readings
Sirach 35:1-12
One who keeps the law makes many offerings;
one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.
One who returns a kindness offers choice flour,
and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank-offering.
To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,
and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.
Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfilment of the commandment.
The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,
and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High.
The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,
and it will never be forgotten.
Be generous when you worship the Lord,
and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.
With every gift show a cheerful face,
and dedicate your tithe with gladness.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
and as generously as you can afford.
Psalm 50:5-8,15,23
Mark 10:28-31
The reading is from the website below.
No comments:
Post a Comment