Daily Retreat 04/19/06

2006 Apr 19 Wed: Easter Wednesday

Acts 3: 1-10/ Ps 104(105): 1-2. 3-4. 6-7. 8-9/ Lk 24: 13-35

From today’s readings: "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk!... Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.... Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?"

What Do You Have to Give?

Peter and John found themselves in the situation of someone turning to them for charity when they had no money to give. But rather than shrugging their shoulders and walking past the crippled man, they were filled with the truest charity, and so they gave the beggar what they had: faith in the Name of Jesus Christ!

In our own lives, there are many charitable causes (not to mention needy individuals!) that reach out to us for help. When you and I truly share our faith with others and commit ourselves to praying for them, without a doubt, that is a much greater gift than merely writing a check to some charitable organization.

And yet, even a supremely generous commitment to pray for others in need is not meant to be an excuse for selfishness with our own blessings of time, talents, and treasure. It’s a privilege and blessing for me to take the time every day to share my faith in Jesus Christ with you through these virtual retreat reflections, because, like Peter and John, I knew that this work would bring me "no silver nor gold," but I joyfully jumped at the chance to freely give what I have: faith in the Name of Jesus Christ!

I know that many of you in turn have generously committed personally to praying for me and the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center (which hosts this virtual retreat and many richly spiritual real retreats throughout the year!) - thank you, and please keep it up, because that is the truest charity! These reflections will of course continue to be provided freely, but still, I’d like to invite you to consider making just a small donation to the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center to financially support our commitment to share the faith in the Name of the Lord Jesus. If, like Peter and John, you truly have neither silver nor gold, simply find another way to share what you do have - faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you!

Immaculate Heart Retreat Center Annual Appeal

6910 S. Ben Burr Rd.

Spokane, WA 99223

Online donations are also gratefully accepted via our webpage: www.ihrc.net