just giving

Dec 13, 2019

I’ve been at a few great end-of-year gatherings in recent weeks and at one such gathering yesterday afternoon a young woman told me of finding a Food For Faith video on YouTube and sharing it with her family. It seems her children feared that if my point in the video was taken seriously the family might end up with a Christmas without presents!

When I got home later in the day I watched the video again and thought that in the midst of the commercialism and gift-buying that becomes the focus at this time of the year this three minute clip might provide a helpful thought, especially for these pre-Christmas days.

Here it is.

15 Comments

  1. Thank you Fr John, a powerful and reflective way to start this day!

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  2. That’s a great video, every word holding truth. When we focus on receiving we put ourselves in a prison of one. When our focus is giving we live in a much larger place.

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  3. Thank you for your gift of light and life again this morning.
    I think we are our memories … I recall reading the little ‘pocket books’ written by
    CS Lewis whilst studying to be a Teacher many years ago now. ‘The Four Loves’ was a modern parable of the love stories in the Bible – about loving in an ‘Agape’ way. The spiritual readings balanced my higher education and left an indelible mark on me.
    In latter years I qualified as a Counsellor and have since been privileged to in depth my appreciation regarding the ultimate way to diffuse our fears and anxieties – Agape is about giving not getting.
    Love is ‘just giving’, love is commitment. +

    Reply
  4. Thank you Fr. Food for thought as we are bombarded with the consumerism of wants and needs at this time.

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  5. That is a great analogy and so beautiful to reflect on.

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  6. I love this reminder to not succumb unintentionally to measurement of giving based on probability of receiving. It removes that complexity that then frees you from the chains that limit boundless and unconditional love.

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  7. I embrace this reminder that love is not a conscious measurement of giving based on the probability of receiving. Your words remind us that to love unconditionally frees us from the compexity and chains that prevent us from loving boundlessly.

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  8. The most powerful words in this clip are thoze of C.S. Lewis, when he says: Love is not a feeling but a decision. This to me covers not only the marriage vows taken at the height of feelings at a wedding, but continues through all aspects of Love throughout our lives. We can decide to love the poor; decide to love our out of control neighbours; decide to love our unfair boss; decide to show love in our daily struggles throughout our lifetime, and even decide to love Our Lord God.
    We can act on these decisions … or not. Our choice, which makes us free. Proof of our Free Will, for which we can give thanks to our God or not. The implications are massive. Please God help me to make the right decisions.

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  9. Nailed it John ❤️

    Reply
  10. The most powerful words in this clip are those of C.S. Lewis, when he says: Love is not a feeling but a decision. This to me covers not only the marriage vows taken at the height of feelings at a wedding, but continues through all aspects of Love throughout our lives. We can decide to love the poor; decide to love our out of control neighbours; decide to love our unfair boss; decide to show love in our daily struggles throughout our lifetime, and even decide to love Our Lord God.
    We can act on these decisions … or not. Our choice, which makes us free. Proof of our Free Will, for which we can give thanks to our God or not. The implications are massive. Please God help me to make the right decisions.

    Reply
  11. Thanks Father John, great video.
    This is something I have been reflecting upon for some time now, and try to put into practice. One of the big benefits we receive from giving, but not expecting anything in return, is that you do not have expectations of others. This brings great peace allowing you to just accept what others give with gratitude no matter how big or small.

    Reply
  12. What an inspiring and moving video! Thanks so much Fr John.

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  13. The decision to Love, to make it a conscious action in your life, and live that decision every day is the most freeing thing that you can ever do. For once the step is taken to Love, without seeking reward, nothing on Earth has power over you! Your choice is to Love, how others respond to that action is theirs alone to decide. But enough has been done in the Love shown to them.

    Reply
  14. Thanks John – aptly chosen and inspiring words as always

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  15. Yes John such a wonderful reminder during this season.
    ‘God sent his only son into the world so that we might live through him…no one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:9-12
    Keeping this priceless gift as our Christmas focus is all we need.

    Reply

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