A Generous Reminder

We are truly blessed by God's goodness and love. He gives us the grace and strength that we need to live our lives and our faith to the fullest. It doesn't hurt to be reminded of all that God does for us. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be reminded of what we need to do. This past Sunday, we concluded the Easter Season with the great feast of Pentecost. When you read the gospel for today, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, you might get the impression that we are going backwards. This passage from Matthew is what we hear on Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey. We are to give alms, pray, and fast. These are gifts that are not confined just to the Lenten Season, but everyday of our lives. We are called to give alms, to share our resources with our brothers and sisters. Like the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians says, "God loves a cheerful giver" (9:6-11). When we give alms we are not to draw attention to ourselves and that is a great feeling when we can help someone and let it go unnoticed. We are called to pray daily. Keep those communication lines with God open at all times. We are called to fast and when we do so then we are open to what God has provided for us. Spend that quality time because God is very generous with us and ultimately we will give back to God what He has given to us. Let us be open to the gifts of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting and may those gifts be a tremendous resource to guide us in our spiritual lives. God Bless You!!!