Give to Everyone

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:16-24, New International Version)

I look around my modest house, I look at my closet full of clothes (many from the second-hand store), I look at my cupboards full of food, and I think I have got so much. God has blessed me more than I deserve. I need to give some of this away to the poor. Why do I have so much stuff and live in such a big house? What master am I really serving? God or money?

Lord, God, thank you for all that you have given me, so many good and gracious things, and thank you most of all for sending Jesus into my life.  Help me to serve the poor and share all that I have, including the Good News of salvation. In Jesus name, Amen

The snow is receding from the flower pot - well not yet this year, as this picture is from a few years ago.