15/09/2024

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Anyone who loses their life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel, will save it”

On my Journey to Eternity, I  - the upper Vlad, with my virtues - gladly admit that I belong to God; to no one else, not even me. Yet, as God has made me free, it is up t me how I use my time on earth.

Within me, there is the lower Vlad with my vices. The giver and the taker wrestle. Thanks to God’s graces the upper tends to win – most of the time.

Thus, I live to help God make this world a slightly better place by serving others across their PIES: the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual dimension of the lives of my friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

Bear in mind, Luke 6,38,” Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.”

Action – reaction. Shake hands, kiss – for the benefit of ‘the other’ , benefits you, the giver of the gift.

I celebrate Sunday Masses for you – but – or is it and – I benefit; my week is enriched as I prepare my homily – celebrate mass and, over a cup of coffee and an orange juice, spend time after mass with a number of you.

My current Morning Offering – as I take my shower -  is: “Dear God, I offer you all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in gratitude for my life and all the gifts you have given me.”

Do you have your own morning offering?  Gratitude enhances our life. It certainly does mine.