Generosity on the Verge of Extinction
Sunday, November 14 - Seminarian Will Negron
Generosity is on the verge of extinction…
How freely do we give and what do we give?
Do we give the extra food we got or do we give the meal which I was just gonna stuff my face with? If I give my meal up, do I regret it because I am hungry? (And I always am hungry) Or do I smile because someone is taking advantage of it more than I would have?
What is your spirit of giving? How does it drive you? In John’s gospel Jesus refers to himself as “the gate for the sheep” But he doesn’t say where the gate is leading to.
He does use the analogy that whoever goes through him will find pastures, He makes reference to the ones before them and refers to them as thieves.
What did they steal?
Jesus says they came to kill and destroy but the sheep didn’t listen. Who are the previous people and what did they steal? I think that it could be something more intangible. We think of material possessions when we hear “Steal,” but what if what they stole is their innocence? Their trust in others? Their ability to be generous to each other?
I will say it again…
Generosity is at the verge of extinction.
I try to not go too personal in sermons because the lessons are not about me but this is something that I feel I should tap on my own personal experience… I have seen God’s generosity first hand. This year has been tough for everyone. For me… Well, I had a fallout with who was my best friend and my living arrangement became non-existent. Quickly and unexpectedly I saw myself homeless. My security blanket was pulled from me leaving me cold and in shock. I kept looking for a place to stay in and Family Promise, as well as St. Stephen’s, helped me with the move-in costs for my new apartment.
It has been tight on money having to budget a bit more carefully and seeing how things play out. St. Stephens steps in yet again and has been helping me with Gift cards for Aldi so my sustenance needs are met. Been in a dark spot when it comes to mood, motivation and such yet St. Stephens comes up yet again and members call to check up on me and make sure all is well.
This is not a building, This is a family.
In the gospel reading there is Jesus’ promise of abundant life but this promise doesn’t come down from the heavens above with golden rays and trumpets sounding… It comes from you… Me… Us!
Yes, Generosity might be on the brink of extinction but it is not scarce and people here definitely don’t skimp out of being generous. This congregation is one of the most welcoming bunch I have ever met and I see it not just with me but with everyone. Renovating this already beautiful sanctuary to be able to accommodate people with different needs is living proof of it. We are willing to let go of our “Safety Blanket” just to make sure the Word of God flows to those who need it most…
Like me…
In the midst of all the things that I could name that have happened to me this year and things that could even make your faith waver a little I can categorically say that God provides. The one lesson I have taken in from this is that God won’t let you fall or drown. It may seem like it. Trust me, Several times Pastor was telling me “Trust in God’s plan. Breathe, everything will work out” and my thought was “No, it won’t. You are not seeing it from my spot” But it does… It does work out.
Yes, Generosity is on the brink of extinction but not here.
We live by the principle of helping each other and whoever needs it.
Our partnership with Family promise
The little Food Pantry
The Feed Iowa First Garden
Just some examples on how we think and act outwardly. God has not fallen short on delivering his blessings on me, even though I don’t see a way out, or a way up, Even when my own human limitations prevent me from seeing God’s greatness and generosity, He still delivers.
Through you.
We are definitely doing God’s work with our hands.
I think, No… I know… That having a family like yours has been one of the greatest proofs of God’s generosity in my life. He will NEVER stop providing. He will ALWAYS take care of us
As long as we take care of each other… He will never leave us. Please join me in prayer by St Ignatious of Loyola:
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve as you deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To labor and not to seek to rest,
To give of my self and not ask for a reward,
Except the reward of knowing that I am doing your will.
Amen
