...and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said,
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Fascinating! that Saint Paul's last word to his Ephesian church was such a familiar teaching of the Lord Jesus. But exact statement is not in the gospels; it finds only similar expressions in the Old Testament, like Proverbs 19:17:
Whoever cares for the poor lends to the LORD, who will pay back the sum in full.
and Psalm 41:2-3:
Blessed the one concerned for the poor;on a day of misfortune, the LORD delivers him.The LORD keeps and preserves him,makes him blessed in the land,and does not betray him to his enemies.
I suppose, without much research, all religions would heartily agree. "It's better to give than to receive" just makes sense.
There he was, overcome with emotion as he parted from his dear companions of the last three years, after many trials and some success. Knowing he would never see them again in this world, the Apostle summed up everything he taught with a kindergarten truism.
Repeating it each day might be a better way to begin. So much of what we do -- perhaps 99% -- is self-maintenance. We have to sleep, eat, bathe, dress, clean and maintain our homes, service our vehicles, pay bills, make a living, buy food, prepare food, wash laundry, buy stuff, compare prices, drive to work, meet health care specialists and counselors of every sort, take vacations, study, pray.... The list is endless.
When everything is finally in order, as we close the door behind us and set out for the day, it is good to remember, "It's better to give than to receive." Somewhere during this coming day, like a true Scout, I should do a good deed.
If it wasn't Jesus's final word to us, it might have been for we see his consummate good deed in his dying on the cross. Our paltry donations of care, attention, and generosity to others hardly match such a sacrifice, but they might be faint echoes, reflections, of it. The cross certainly reminds us that any fool can refuse to go the extra mile, lend a jacket, or spare a dime. There's nothing heroic or generous about basic self-maintenance; it is only preparation for going above and beyond.
And so we set out. It is better to give than to receive. I can do that.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.