One line in today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles stood out to me: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I can’t tell you how many times I heard that when I was a child. Around holidays and birthdays. During spats with siblings over a toy or a certain color of crayon or over who got the window seat in the car. I think, grudgingly, I would agree with my mom or dad, but I’m not sure I wholeheartedly believe it. But, even then, I could see the value, the joy that came with offering a gift or giving up something to a family member or a friend. It did feel good. (But I still wanted that magenta crayon.)
The phrase reminds me of a saying from St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” Words are important, but putting love into action, giving of yourself – that’s what Ignatius wants us to do. We are created to love and serve God. We can do that in ways big and small. We can be consistently kind. Sometimes, that’s hard. We can assume good intentions, giving people the benefit of the doubt. (Also hard, sometimes.)
I often pray for the grace to be attentive and to act with intention. To be attentive to God and to find God in all things. To be intentional with giving of myself to others. Acknowledging the many gifts I receive each day: the love and care from friends and family, the beauty of the world around me.
I pray that I remember it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to be appreciative of the gifts and graces that I receive every minute of every day.
Carol Zuegner
Writing and reading the Daily Reflections helps me connect with my faith.
