March 1, 2011 A Good Investment

Jesus, thank you for this day, thank you for giving me such meaningful work, thank you for my husband, my children, and my family, and thank you for the friends that stand with me and help me grow in love. Amen

Sir 35:1-12
To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the LORD,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.

For Today's Complete Readings please go to USCCB

I'm loving this good news!!!  The Lord will give me back sevenfold what I have given Him?!  That's a pretty good deal:)  Yesterday we were challenged to give everything to God.  To lay everything at his feet.  That is a challenge that takes a lifetime of personal evolution to achieve.  Today we are told in the Gospel and first reading in no uncertain terms that it will be worth the effort. 

If God will pay me back in ways that I can not even imagine, than what am I holding on to anything for?  I should be asking, "What more can I give?!"

Let's talk about this in terms of investment.  My husband has a retirement account, in which the company he works has a matching program.  The more he gives into his own retirement the more the company matches that contribution up to certain percentage.  That's free money just for doing what we should do!  We max out that contribution because we want to take advantage of that benefit.  Jesus has something much more in mind for us.  It isn't even matching, we're talking about sevenfold!!!

Jesus, I love you, I am anxious to serve you with everything I have every day, regardless of being payed back.  Help me to teach my children to love you, and to want to give you what is yours, our love. Amen