"I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you." Acts 3:6
Easter is not just about receiving with joy the promise of eternal life. It is about giving it away. Peter's response to the man crippled from birth is a perfect example of this. Not worried about what he doesn't have, Peter gives what he does have, and this ought to be the model for every believer. Some have the financial ability to help others. Some have time to give. Others can pray, but all of us have to give something.
Last year the General Minister of the Capuchins, Mauro Johri, challenged the friars to be concrete in their response to refugees and migrants, especially in Europe where so many refugees seek a safe haven. Br Johri wrote: "If we have structures at our disposal that are unused and in good condition, let us not fear to offer them to the competent authorities for a service of welcome. Why not welcome individual persons or families into unused friaries?" Giving of our substance, Johri reminded us, is a Gospel demand.
We need to become Easter for others., to focus, like Peter, on what we do have, and give it away. Kindness costs nothing but means everything. Listening takes time, but lasts a lifetime. Compassion towards those who seem ungrateful is difficult, but is demanded by the gospel.
Today, think of your gifts and share them.
Has anyone ever stunned you with their kindness when you expected nothing?
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