As Lent nears, I want to suggest two readings. The first is a new biography of Dorothy Day by her youngest granddaughter, Kate Hennessy, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CO3489Y/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 and the second is an article in America Magazine, A life of service is never easy. Having autism can make it even harder by Gus Hardy.
http://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/02/15/life-service-never-easy-having-autism-can-make-it-even-harder
"Go, sell what you have and give to the poor." Mk 10:21
The severity of Jesus' demand that we renounce all our possessions can be overwhelming, especially when we read it out of context. The best scholars of the bible always remind us that when we ask God for the strength to let go, to renounce everything for God, God gives us back what we need to live well and serve others. While God's challenge is daunting, it is also necessary. Belief demands that we learn to trust God with our entire lives despite the cost.
When trying to listen to the God who demands everything from us, it is also important to remember that most of us have more than we could ever use or need, and it is our fear and pride that causes us to worry about whether we have enough or how others see us. Rather than let go to simplify our lives, we acquire more and more ideas, stuff and baggage. Jesus might sound harsh, but his message is clear. Don't be afraid to give God everything. The reward is a Gospel freedom beyond anything we could imagine.
Today, recommit yourself to a Gospel life no matter the cost.
Which of your possessions or ideas are most difficult to renounce?
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