Daily Retreat 05/29/07
2007 May 29 Tue
Sir 35: 1-12/ Ps 50: 5-6. 7-8. 14 and 23/ Mk 10: 28-31
From today's readings: "LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.... To the upright I will show the saving power of God.... many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."
Gifts or Bribes?
Even though everyone rightly recognizes and is repulsed by the sleazy nature of bribery, most of us would probably have to admit that many of the "gifts" we've presented to others often have been wrapped up with secret hopes of getting something back in return, whether it's some favor that we plan to ask for down the road, or simply more affection or esteem, or perhaps just the expectation of receiving a comparable gift when our turn comes....
This attitude of giving on the basis of an expectant return easily carries over to our faith life, and, interestingly enough, scripture even cultivates it - think of the many passages, for instance, encouraging almsgiving or tithing with the enticing promise that "the Lord is one who always repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold!"
So there's something in our human nature, clearly recognized in scripture, that makes it difficult to give freely without any thought of return. But even though the promise of future rewards are effective in encouraging generosity, any almsgiving or tithing has clearly degenerated into banal bribery if one assumes that "if I give this much to God, then I can expect this much in return." After all, God has given us life and redemption with the promise of salvation - and not because He's calculated that we'll ever be able to give Him a fair return! Rather, even in spite of our clear inability to repay His gifts, through His example, God wants us to understand the meaning of truly generous giving, and His example then inspires us to strive, at least, to make our whole lives and complete selves a sacrificial offering in return...
Sir 35: 1-12/ Ps 50: 5-6. 7-8. 14 and 23/ Mk 10: 28-31
From today's readings: "LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.... To the upright I will show the saving power of God.... many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."
Gifts or Bribes?
Even though everyone rightly recognizes and is repulsed by the sleazy nature of bribery, most of us would probably have to admit that many of the "gifts" we've presented to others often have been wrapped up with secret hopes of getting something back in return, whether it's some favor that we plan to ask for down the road, or simply more affection or esteem, or perhaps just the expectation of receiving a comparable gift when our turn comes....
This attitude of giving on the basis of an expectant return easily carries over to our faith life, and, interestingly enough, scripture even cultivates it - think of the many passages, for instance, encouraging almsgiving or tithing with the enticing promise that "the Lord is one who always repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold!"
So there's something in our human nature, clearly recognized in scripture, that makes it difficult to give freely without any thought of return. But even though the promise of future rewards are effective in encouraging generosity, any almsgiving or tithing has clearly degenerated into banal bribery if one assumes that "if I give this much to God, then I can expect this much in return." After all, God has given us life and redemption with the promise of salvation - and not because He's calculated that we'll ever be able to give Him a fair return! Rather, even in spite of our clear inability to repay His gifts, through His example, God wants us to understand the meaning of truly generous giving, and His example then inspires us to strive, at least, to make our whole lives and complete selves a sacrificial offering in return...
posted by FrPitstick | 5/28/2007
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