He's My Brother
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Throughout the Gospels, Jesus calls us to invite the needy to our banquet tables. His messages aren't to discourage us from welcoming friends, family and wealthy neighbors, but to instead bear in mind our intentions. It’s against human nature to give lavishly without looking for repayment, but Jesus insists that we give without expectation. How do we do that?
Perhaps we can start by practicing generosity toward those with no means of reciprocation. Consider the young lady in prison without loved ones to send money for an occasional luxury such as a soda or bag of chips from the vending machine; the retired nun on a small income, standing in the grocery checkout line; a father of five, longing to take all of his children to a ballgame, but can’t afford even one ticket; the poor beggar with nothing but his clothes and unassuming nature. We may find it’s easier to give without the prospect of receiving when we give to such persons.
But something wonderful happens to us when we give of ourselves to the least of these. Jesus rewards us by bringing joy to our hearts and suddenly we become the needy ones; constantly looking for opportunities to encourage, until giving becomes a beautiful habit. Jesus’ gifts also begin to increase, as we find ourselves offering our support to the poor and affluent alike, with no expectation of receiving. Ultimately, we find ourselves longing to be like Him in love, and sharing that love with everyone.
So, as we enter this beautiful season of giving, let us be generous with all our brothers and sisters and recognize that our repayment comes from God alone. Our most precious reimbursement . . . His amazing grace.
Elizabeth Tichvon is a Catholic writer and Consecrated Marian Catechist under the Direction of His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. Always faithful to the Magisterium, she spreads and defends the Catholic faith as a true witness of Christ, confessing the name of Jesus boldly, never ashamed of the Cross.
Elizabeth became aware of the need for the New Evangelization while in the two years of her formation as a Marian Catechist and wrote over 200 published meditations on Sacred Scripture from the daily Liturgy of the Word for various Catholic websites, and following Jesus' example, now teaches through her own parables so that by sharing her stories through social media, might bring others closer to the heart of Christ. She is currently a regular columnist at Catholic365 and as a Marian Catechist, her spiritual life is the foundation of her writing.
She completed UCLA's Graduate Program With Honors and worked as a Paralegal for 32 years before retiring from Chrysler's Office of the General Counsel in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Elizabeth's website may be found at elizabethtichvon.net
