Sisters and Brothers in Christ

November offers all of us an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings we have received over the last year. Our culture today hasn’t really changed much from ancient times when blessing was often measured by the accumulation of material goods. The more stuff you have the more blessed you are so goes the conventional wisdom. Kitab-i-Amu Daria has a different take, he said,

The Chief takes less than he is given
And gives more than he has taken.

How do you or I avoid bankruptcy if we practised that type of economics? Take less and give more? That is just too contrary to prevailing wisdom. Yet Daria’s point-of-view caused me to wonder why, even when I have enough, I want more and am reluctant to share the excess I may have?

Perhaps it is insecurity. Maybe I am afraid that if I don’t continually collect stuff - stocks, bonds, bank accounts, cars, property - then a crunch time would put me out on the street. Maybe I find identity in my stuff. The more stuff I have the better I feel about myself but I never seem to be able to get enough stuff to make me feel good all the time. What a vicious cycle. I pray to God that there is a better way.

Daria echoes the sentiment of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) The true mark of thanksgiving is not so much standing up in Church and saying "Thanks God!" The true mark of thanksgiving is in the midst of all my stuff and my time seeing those in need and daring to relinquish my tight hold and give.

Our world has never known such a robust economy as that which we have experienced in the past eight years. Have you been touched by the material blessings from that prosperity? I know I have and I thank God for the many blessings I and my family have received from such bounty. However, that thanks rings hollow if I do not practice the art of giving. Thanksgiving for each breath God gives me rings hollow if I do not return some of that time in service.

Here at St. Mary’s the opportunities to give and demonstrate thanks abound: As a teacher, lector, LEM, Altar Guild member, St. Honoratus’ Guild member, participant in the Newcomer’s Ministry, Midnight Run, Food for the Poor, choir, youth leader - what others can you add to this list?

This is the season of giving thanks, let us grab hold of the blessing of courage God has given us and join the Chief in "giving more than we have taken.

Joel t