Day 17 of Lent 2020

When Micky and I were planning our wedding day our priest asked us to choose our readings for the Mass. We didn’t want the traditional (sometimes overused) readings. We wanted readings that meant a great deal to us. So I came across this scripture passage from Matthew 7: 25-26

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns. yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?”

We really wanted to use this reading because it really said what we were feeling at that time. We were going out on our own. We were supporting each other. We were excited and nervous about this new adventure. This reading gave us comfort that everything was going to be OK.

In times of uncertainty, living in a spirit of poverty is living in fear there is not enough. We forget God’s ability to provide all that we need.

Our country is feeling this right now in the midst of the Corona Virus pandemic. Shelves and shelves of supplies are empty in stores because of panicked people. Others are selling their “extra supplies” to make some additional money. As a society, we are losing sight of God.

To counteract the spirit of poverty we need to live a generous life. We need to use our time, talents, and treasures to help others in need. We must use what God has given to us and put it to work otherwise, He will give it to others. (Matthew 25: 14-30)