Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave.

Every good work we do has its source in God and we should remember this when we are tempted to take credit for the goods we do. All our acts of charity and mercy come from God, it is He who gives them to us. The only thing we do is open ourselves to these gifts and graces and pass them onto those we meet. We receive every good we have from God and this is why we should give to others without counting the cost. When we give to others, we should depend upon God for everything and accept whatever He offers us as reward, however great or small it might seem compared to what we must sacrifice.

What good works is God calling us to do? Do we give of the time, talents, and treasures God has given us to others without counting the cost? Are we willing to do the right thing without expecting a return?

O Lord, inspire us to give without counting the cost or expecting a return.

Amen.