2 March 2023
Thursday of the First Week in Lent
The gospel today describes the giving and receiving of good things. Teaching and parenting places many people in a difficult situation since everyone wants to give good things but a partial good may not be an ultimate good. We all need affirmation but praise for the insignificant may be out of place, and at times damaging since it may mask a real problem. As Winston church stated, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.” Sometimes the best thing that can be given in a situation is to note a problem and to provide encouraging advice on how to improve. Constant criticism wears a person down, walking with a person towards success and providing help perhaps identifies a different way. Finding the balance provides a challenge but as any gardener knows, a little pruning and a little weeding helps the garden grow.