Simples mwch!! Something to think and pray about this week Give thanks Our gifts and talents differ, and as a result the harvest produced will differ. But such differences do not make some people better in the eyes of God. Whatever talents or gifts we have are just that—gifts. And gratitude is the only proper response to the reception of gifts. Gratitude for what we are given runs counter to the competitive nature of our culture. From infancy, we are taught to compare ourselves with others in terms of talent or looks. IQ tests, SAT scores, class rankings—all compel us to compare ourselves with others. In such a culture, the inability to do what others can do and are applauded for can lead to a sense of inferiority. Hence, the man from whom the legion of demons was cast out would, in our culture, tend to think of himself as less valued by Jesus than the apostles who get to follow him. Under such circumstances, the Christian attitude of gratitude and acceptance of the gifts one has does not come easily. We need to pray regularly and often for gratitude to God for who we are. Perhaps even more important is to pray to know in our bones that we are the apple of God’s eye just as we are. Once, a retreatant felt that Jesus was telling him, “I love no one more than I love you, but I don’t love you more than anyone else.” This was a consoling experience for him and left him feeling very grateful. Moreover, he had no basis for making comparative judgements about his worth in the eyes of Jesus. What a great relief and freedom it would be if we could believe that Jesus makes no comparisons but loves each of us as we are, and wants the best for each of us. Excerpted from God’s Passionate Desire by William A. Barry, SJ (Source: Homepage at sacredspace.ie)
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 09:03:42 +0000
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