My God stresses the gifts s/he gives us.  We are expected to offer, to use these gifts with others rather than hoard them.

The previous Lucan story was about Zacchaeus.  Now here is a man, despised by many, who WAKES UP to Jesus/God in his life.  Zacchaeus invites Jesus to his home.  This is a metaphor for our hoped-for relationship with God.

When we are in a good personal space, having a "good hair day", it is easy to recognize the awesome beauty of God's presence and gifts.  When we are in a tough spot, even with flu, seeing beauty and being grateful to God is much more difficult.

A friend was recently diagnosed with the worst kind of brain tumor, fast growing.  She was immediately hospitalized and 2 days later the surgeon got "90%" of the tumor.  Now she will undergo a regime of chemo and radiation.  This is a terribly tough event in her life and for her family and friends.

I learned a good reflection question with this tragedy.  "What is good or right here?"  Then I could see God's gift is that the cancer was caught and she, her family and friends have time to heal.

Recognizing a gift of God, we are meant to use the gift and to "Praise God....who is Holy,Holy, Holy" as in the Psalms and Revelations.  I hope my reflection on my friend's cancer helps you to look at gifts of God in suffering times.  I invite you to pass along the faith gift God has given you.  This is our Loving God.