28 January 2016 - keeps on giving

[ Today's Readings ]

To the one who has, more will be given; 
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

We receive in the measure that we give. Man "cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself" (see Vatican II: Gaudium et Spes 24).

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (see Matthew 16:25).

The one who has not has not because he gives not. He tries to hold on to what he has, to his life in the world. But that is ultimately a losing proposition. The one who has has because he gives. He may not have the things of this world but as he gives he becomes rich in what matters to God (see Luke 12:16-21).

This is precisely why we can't hide our lamps under our beds. We are given light from Jesus who is the light that shines in the darkness (see John 1:4-5). We are supposed to be a city on a hill which cannot be hidden (see Matthew 5:14), reflecting the light we receive from Jesus.

It starts with grace. Grace is what makes us able to give. It elevates us from our self-preserving nature into the self-giving life of the Trinity. The one who has does not have because of any merit of his own. He has because he accepts what God gives him. David realizes this.

Yet even this you see as too little, Lord GOD; 
you have also spoken of the house of your servant 
for a long time to come 

David realizes that what he has comes from the LORD and is thankful for it.

Do, then, bless the house of your servant 
that it may be before you forever; 
for you, Lord GOD, have promised, 
and by your blessing the house of your servant 
shall be blessed forever.”

He recognizes the source of his blessings and actively seeks out, welcomes, and embraces it. He is able to give himself away in service to his people as king precisely because God blesses him. This awareness makes him open to receiving more, to receiving all that God has in store for him.

The LORD swore an oath to David
a firm promise from which he will not withdraw:
“Your own offspring 
I will set upon your throne.”