Give to Receive

Today’s Gospel Text:  And the multitudes asked him, "What then shall we do?" 11 And he answered them, "He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than is appointed you." 14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, 16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 18 So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people. Luke 3:10-18

Reflection: How can such an advice by John the Baptist become a restoration unto God and thus a preparation for the coming of the savior Jesus Christ? Are these not mere moral corrections and adjustments in one’s lifestyle?

Are these injunction not aimed at helping people to be more generous and practice charity in one’s lifestyle?

Yes indeed, they are but they do help a great deal in inviting God’s mercy and love towards us. If only we learn how to be detached from earthly possession and wealth then God will bless us in ways that are eternal:    

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Matt 6:20

When we are detached from earthly possessions we acknowledge the creator, sustainer and provider as the one still reigning on high and in our midst. 

It is not the mind that needs to be emptied and made blank but our hearts that needs to give up on what we possess so that the Lord, the king of glory may come in and reign.

Likewise we need to give up on our sinful possessions, such as our sinful habits and bondages, the many hurts and bitterness, the many gods of our life.

Thus it becomes a pathway, with our lives open to receiving Jesus our savior and Lord and all that he has to give us.

When we learn to give we also become a giving river that constantly receives from the rain and gives, therefore its water is ever fresh.

In our time when there are many false prophets who talk about giving in order to receive earthly wealth and possession, instead the message should be to give in order to receive Jesus and his fullness in one’s life

Prayer: “Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. Ps 16:11

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