Virtual Retreat

Daily scriptural reflections by Fr. Rory Pitstick, SSL from Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, WA
Also available via daily email

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Daily Retreat 04/15/09

2009 Apr 15 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!