I quote:
Brothers and sisters:
I know how to live in humble circumstances;
I know also how to live with abundance.
In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.
end quote
Today's readings invite us to consider our place at The Father's Banqueting Table where we will feast on that which Our Father supplies for our life's journey.
The Father will in time ask us to share something of great value that He has supplied to us, to assist those whom He introduces to us.
Sacrificing a portion of our assets to help another human person, or persons ensures that we will continue to dine at Our Father's Banqueting Table.
C. S. Lewis once provided a powerful image of the difference between heaven and hell. He described hungry people sitting at a huge banquet loaded with delicious food. Every person had a meter-long fork and knife attached to their hands (that’s about three feet long). The scene in hell was one of anger, frustration, and fighting as people scrambled to feed themselves. They could reach the food with the long knives and forks, but they were too long to feed themselves. The conflict, screaming, and unfulfilled hunger continued for eternity--that is hell.
But the scene in heaven was quite different. The same tables were loaded with food, and the people had the same long forks and knives attached to their hands. But instead of chaos and conflict, there was joy, laughter, and pleasant conversation. The difference?
In heaven, the diners weren't trying to feed themselves.
Each person was patiently taking the food and feeding the person seated across the table.
end
Responses