16 May 2018
Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
In today’s first reading we here that famous quote which has been used, referenced, and often alluded to by most fund raising offices: It is better to give than to receive. Although the quote may be over-used, it points to a profound theological reality touching upon the nature of Christ. As Paul wrote in several of his letters, Christ gave himself so that we may be saved. Thus, the “giving” of Christ became the means of to our salvation. Likewise, the gospels tell of various admonitions of Jesus against taking seats of honor or places of power. Giving and taking then stand as advice and warning and can provide for us a point of reflection for an examination of conscience: What do we “give” and what do we “take”? Giving and taking are not in themselves good or bad, but as Ignatius notes, the motivations behind the giving and the taking make all the difference.