April 11
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what evil may happen on earth. Ecclesiastes 11: 1-2
These words in Ecclesiastes surely make us stop and think. Assuming one has resources to share or to invest; the advice seems quite simple and straightforward. Whatever we give; comes back to us! However, for some of us there may not appear to be any extra of anything to give away, and thus we hold on tightly to what we have for fear of having nothing left! However Scripture is guiding us otherwise. We forget about the value of the wealth we have within; our character, our spirit, our faith, our talents - the many gifts God has given us - things we may take for granted each day, which are being shared with those around us. Even when we think there is nothing to give, there is plenty. It makes me reflect upon what I invest my time in: what I may be neglecting to share with others and my neglect of God too! It seems when I have taken the time to dedicate myself and my work to Him each day, it is easier to give of myself, and when I offer it all back to God in gratitude, I see that there is always more to give. Yet, we are so hesitant to let some things leave our hands! Shouldn’t we expect to receive something in return when we do? Scripture tells us yes!
In this passage there is also an element of caution, a call to be prepared for what difficulty - or evil - may come upon us unexpectedly. So it seems we need to be mindful of our giving away – give it some thought, but still it is the act of sharing what we posses that is paramount. Today everyone seems to have some sort of plan for tomorrow, including those of us who would prefer not to map out everything in life. Even though in faith we believe God will provide for us, we understand He expects us to make decisions about our lives with prayer and care. Our spiritual generosity, just as our financial ones require an investment of our time; time to pray to God for His guidance that our actions may be prudent and charitable, time to learn and understand the course we should be on, and time to offer all back to God in gratitude. In doing so we come to learn, as is so beautifully written in the prayer of St. Francis, “It is in giving we receive.” And oh how much we do!
O Lord, our hope is that all our actions reflect a generous heart that has come from you.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson