IT IS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
The above words of Our Lord are not recorded in any of the four Gospels, but in fact, in the Acts of the Apostles, which is the sequel (or second installment) to Luke’s Gospel. Christmastide is a great time to crack open your bible; look it up for yourself at Acts 20:35!
The magi, whom we remember in today’s Gospel, came and “opened up their treasures and offered him gifts…” (Matthew 2:11). Perhaps unknowingly, they gloriously and meticulously fulfill the vision of the Prophet Isaiah from our first reading which tells of the giving of extravagant and precious gifts (Isaiah 60). This act of lavish giving will not be the last act of generosity done unto our Lord, but it prefigures several other moments—many of which are given in the context of his Passion and Death, including the anointing of his feet with perfume, the donating of an unused tomb and the anointing of his body for burial. Jesus came into the world as a gift from our Heavenly Father and to all who receive Him and believe in His Name is given the power to become Children of God (look up John 3:16 and 1 John 1:12 and see for yourself). Many gifts have been given and received around the world during these days of Christmas but amid them all, the gift of God is the most precious and it is His gift of Himself to us that teaches us to make a gift of ourselves in love and service of each other.
Speaking of gifts, hopefully by now you have received a Christmas Gift from our parish, a copy of Peter Kreeft’s little book with a bright orange cover, Jesus Shock. If you haven’t already, take one as you leave church today or come by the parish office to get one. Step one is taking it home; step two is reading it! We provided a little bookmark which includes a set of reflection questions. Even if you don’t describe yourself as a ‘reader’ give it an honest try, you might surprise yourself—or your spouse! As an encouragement to delve into the book, we are hosting a “Jesus Shock Discussion Day” at St. Hedwig on Saturday, January 13th, beginning with Mass at 8:30 am followed by breakfast, reflection, and conversation. Among the most essential claims that the author makes is that Jesus is alive in the Eucharist and He is the key that opens every door. Give some of your time and attention to the Lord; open this book and see for yourself!
As you come to Mass on for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, you are given a supreme gift but you are also asked not only to take but to give: of your time, of your attention, of your heart, of the first-fruits of your week (Sunday is not the week-end, but truly the week-beginning!), of your time, talent and treasure, of your patience and effort to love your brothers and sisters who sit in the pews around you. Perhaps you can think of other ways you are called to give freely during the Mass and not just to ‘take up space’ in the pew. Afterall, in the words of Our Lord, it is better to give than to receive!
While Christmas wraps up this week with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Monday, January 8th, we can still cherish the greatest gifts we have been given in this season and ponder what we are to give in response. By the way, heartfelt thanks for your many kind Christmas cards, greetings and generous gifts!
United in giving generously,
Fr. Howe
P.S. Blessed chalk is available in each of our churches for you to use for the Epiphany Blessing of your homes which can be found on p. 7 of the bulletin.