Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

Gospel for July 12, 2007
Thursday of 14th Week of Ordinary Time

What is it that we have received without cost that we can give? As I look at my life and all that I have, whatever I have, material things, talents, skills, money... all these things I have received from God, through people of good will who have loved me since the time they knew me. And so, what can I give? Anything and everything that I have. The main question really is whether I am willing and ready to give these things. My prayer today is St. Ignatius' Prayer for Generosity:

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as I should.
To give and not to count the cost.
To fight and not to heed the wounds.
To toil and not to seek for rest.
To labor and not to ask for reward.
Save that of knowing that I do your most holy will.