Our Lady of Lourdes (Optional Memorial)
They . . . were satisfied. (Mark 8:8)
Do you know people who are remarkably generous? It seems like every time you turn around, they are giving, whether its sharing time, making a large donation, or giving wonderful gifts. In Scripture, we see that God is just like this, only on a much more extravagant scale.
In todays Gospel, for example, Jesus doesnt give just a few people only a mouthful of food. He feeds four thousand people until their stomachs are filled. Thats extravagance! Whats more, just before performing this miracle, we see Jesus freeing a young girl from a demon and healing a deaf man with a speech impairment. Both of them were Greek, outsiders who were considered undeserving of Gods favor! But Jesus showed that Gods generosity surpasses all boundaries, even the one between Jews and Gentiles. Later, he took the time to pray over another man twice—just to make sure he could see perfectly.
In his parables, Jesus also portrayed God as a lavishly generous Father: think of the father of the prodigal son or the king who forgives the equivalent of millions of dollars of debt or the employer who pays a days wages for just an hours work. And if thats not enough, remember his most generous act of all: Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross. Thats what generosity looks like!
Yet for all these stories, we can still think differently about our heavenly Father: Look at how many times I have failed. God can never be happy with me. Its no use to ask for his forgiveness or his help. I dont deserve them anyway. Its as if we are programmed to think this way, and we need to be reminded over and over again that it just isnt true.
Today in prayer, imagine yourself sitting with the four thousand. Jesus is looking on all of you with compassion. Imagine him pausing before you and looking into your eyes. He has so much love for you! He wants nothing more than to convince you that you have a generous Father in heaven. This is a wonderful place to be—and you can experience it every day. What a loving, generous God we have!
Father, thank you for your generosity to me. Lord, I trust in you!
Genesis 3:9-24
Psalm 90:2-6, 12-13
Daily Marriage Tip for February 11, 2017:
As Valentines Day approaches, give your spouse a gift of memory. If you havent already, memorize your wedding vows. Few people like to memorize but its a way to keep your vows always in mind.