Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
As I read today's readings I was encouraged by a common theme, trust generosity. This trust of generosity is not a guarantee that we should count on those around us to suddenly meet our needs (though that has happened for Bess and I more times than I can count and I am so humbled by it). Rather I am reminded to trust what we do when we act in generosity.
Bess and I have made some pretty big moves over the past year or so. We did so to get out of debt. Scripture at times likens debt to enslavement and we had felt that. We desired to be more faithful in our tithe, more generous to our children, neighbors and even strangers, but felt ourselves constrained. We found ourselves restricted by our promises to direct our money towards another's purpose. Yes, we desired to save for a great down-payment and get that home that lets us bring home a puppy and all the other things. But, more than anything, we wanted to be free enough to allow God to direct our money. We wanted to be set free to grow in generosity, not because we would suddenly have so much more, but because we would no longer be as constrained.
In today's readings, we hear the goodness of generosity praised. We see it described as a virtue of legacy and virtue that mimics our generous God. I pray that we all may hear the call in these readings, whether we are debt laden or debt free, to see in God's generosity a call to imitate the one who "scatters abroad", who "gives to the poor" for God's generosity is a testament to His righteousness which "endures forever."
Our debt will pass. Our money will deteriorate. Our cars will break. Our food will mold. Our homes will crumble. But generosity endures forever.
- Spencer Hargadon
- Spencer Hargadon