Friday, December 22, 2006

Today’s reading

Philippians 4:15-20

“I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of your according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Phil. 4:18-20).

Prayer

Why does our giving please you, Holy Mystery? Why is it that I know your eternal smile, your gentle joy, in every kindness and generosity of soul that I see?

Could it be that all true giving is carried by the great river of life that has poured from your heart since time began? Can it be that our joy in bringing joy to another heart is not our joy but yours? Is it possible that the fullness of generosity that bursts the seams of our souls is the Fullness of your divine heart? And is this Fullness the highest ecstasy human flesh may know?

I believe so. I believe we are in you, most intimately knowing and enjoying you, when you fill us that we transcend the narrow circle of self truly to love, to give, to share our life. Lifted beyond ourselves we, finally, become ourselves, full and complete, knowing the utter incomprehensibility of You who are Boundless Love. And our flesh, too, shines with the glory of your life, a fragrant offering that pleases you.

You privilege us to please you. For our giving, all giving, shares in the dancing love that courses mysteriously in your inner, divine life. It pours from you into this and every cosmos to give life and abundance to all you love, and you love all.

So take us into the holy joy of your great generosity. For we come again to Christmas. Stir our hearts to celebrate the appearance of your eternal kindness, shining in the face of Jesus. This day and most certainly Christmas Day, may we, too, shine with the glory of your life. Amen.