Giving double

Monday
Reading 1 Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c
Responsorial Psalm Ps 148
Gospel Mt 17:22-27

I did cross-fit for the first time this morning from 530-630. It's 8 and I'm still sweating.  When I got home to shower I noticed two posts to the gym's cross-fit blog of people congratulating me on job well done.  I felt affirmed,  welcomed and excited to do it again (as hard as it was). 

As I read the first reading and the gospel today I thought of the parallel.  When I am connected in my heart to God and understand who God is,  the motivation to do what I am called to do far outweighs any difficulty in the execution. 

The first reading identifies the majesty of God.  The gospel identifies the relational tenderness of Christ.  Jesus uses money,  which has is one of my personal measuring sticks (which not right! ) when comparing myself to others, to clearly state to give double what is expected. 

I hear this as giving double in 'presence' to my wife and children,  giving double in my efforts at work,  giving double to fight my critical attitude to replace it with tenderness and mercy. 

What makes giving double easier is me knowing that relationly,  I have a tender,  supportive and encouraging God rooting for me. 

2day's 2do
Be Christ to my coworkers by encouraging them with affirmation. 

Doing the next right thing

Reading 1 Wis 18:6-9
Reading 2 Heb 11:1-2, 8-19
Gospel Lk 12:32-48

The belief that what we do today will effect tomorrow drives our behavior every moment.  The belief that we cannot effect the future can be both liberating and defeating. 

For example,  understanding that we cannot change the world can free us from the anxieties of a the bombings,  wars, killings etcetera.  This understanding can also free us to focus on what we can effect: our spouses,  our children,  our friends,  our work and our own holiness. 

Mother Teresa said we are not called to be successful,  but obedient. 

Abraham acted in obedience because of his faith and was blessed.

What is one thing we can do today to be obedient to to our faith? 

Ask forgiveness of someone? 

Call someone to let them know you're thinking of them? 

Hug your spouse and reaffirm your live to them? 

Do the next right thing! 

For me,  I will
1) commit to my sobriety by calling two fellow men

and

2) physically touch my wife's face tenderly and tell her I love her.