The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man, because he is a just man,
will receive the reward of a just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you,
he will not go unrewarded.”
LECTIO DIVINA:
Read: In the first reading, the prophet Elisha is shown great hospitality by the wealthy woman from Shunem who had no child and whose husband was old.
By the end of the reading, Elisha has promised her a son. The second reading tells us that if we have died with Christ we will also share his glory.
And in the Gospel, Jesus tells us that the good we do, especially for those who need will surely be rewarded.
Reflect: Nothing surpasses the generosity of God. He is never miserly. His abundance and his goodness flows to all of his creation, most especially to us,
his children, no matter how weak and sinful we are. His sun shines and his rain falls on both the good and bad.
At the same time, it is also true that those who give to him generously, who commit their whole lives to serving him,
receive a recompense that is beyond anything they can imagine, in this life and in the next. “Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” (Lk. 6:38) For, “God loves a generous giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7)
Pray: Lord, let me give of myself completely, to you, to the people I love and serve. Let me not count the cost, for loving you and your people is reward in itself.
Act: Go and check your closets and drawers and go over your old clothes and belongings.
Take what you no longer use and no longer need and donate it to the poor. And say a prayer of thanks to the Lord for giving you the gift of generosity.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020