Friday, September 18, 2020

Generosity and Thankfulness

Dear Parishioners,

Our Gospel today points to an important quality of God, his generosity (Mt 20:1-16A). This is a mysterious quality of God. God has given us so much, from the world to our very lives, while there is little we can do to make the awesomeness of His gifts. It points to the idea that God can give of himself yet never be diminished by giving. He has created the universe, has created humanity, and has given us the Holy Spirit, and continues to be present in our everyday lives. God’s generosity does not enrich God but leaves us with a beautiful world filled with wonderment and awe.

During the pandemic, I have watched numerous travel shows going around the world. There is such beauty around the world. The mountains, the rivers, the forests and plains, the magnificent ocean views. We are blessed ourselves with the Bay and its surroundings. If you let it, you can be filled with a great sense of awe and humility. The night sky, for instance, just can take your breath at times. 

What can we return to God for this gift of beauty and awe? Nothing really. But we can honor and glorify God in all his gifts. We can read the Scriptures and allow them to be a guide to our lives. We can attend to the life of Christ and live according to His example. We can participate actively and fully in the life of the church here at St. Jane Frances. We can appreciate all we have been given and all the lives placed in our paths through this life. We can thank the Lord for His work in our lives and strive to listen to His voice calling us to goodness and truth. Let us be thankful for the generosity of God, and respect and appreciate his creation.

Blessings,
Deacon Steve