My wife had the privilege of spending a few days in Taizé, a former classical monastery in France, to recharge her spiritual batteries, and there she met a young woman from Poland.
Not even a year later did he knock on our door. She was in South Africa to help with the Taizé event in Cape Town. My wife really pampered her, showing her the various attractions, helping her with her commitments at the event in Cape Town, and when she had problems with her accommodation, our house was the solution.
And he ate the strangest food. I had to join in, and it was berries and salads and herb, or so it seemed. Those people don’t eat meat, you know?
I got a little irritated, because we had a lot of work …
Then I stopped and looked at my verse for the day:
13 Give Zenas the lawyer and Apollos a warm goodbye. Take good care of them.
Immediately my condolences went out to poor Titus. He worked very hard for the gospel. With limited resources, he tried to spread God’s message of salvation to the world. The circumstances were not favorable. Always having a sword hanging over your head and your finances probably weren’t looking too good either. And now one more thing is added to that! Two more visitors.
But that’s what God’s children do. We do not ask if the circumstances are optimal to help another person. We do not check if there is enough money in our wallets. We don’t even look to see who these people are, even if he’s a lawyer (that’s just a joke!). We just do it. Because it’s the right thing to do.
My wife is right. He doesn’t ask how much work he has to do. She doesn’t ask if we have money or even look at her finances. He doesn’t ask how much gas he’s going to use driving so that the girl from Poland can have a good time. She just does it. It’s the right thing to do.
I think sometimes God stretches us a little to see how far our faith in Him will go. But even more, I think, He stretches us to see how far our works will go. Are we prepared to trust that He will make things work, even if we think we don’t have the time, money, or strength to help others?
You see, as the saying goes, we have to practice what we preach! We say all the time that we have to help others. We use such beautiful words and say that it is the responsibility of every Christian to make a difference in God’s New World. But do we do it?
Yes, but often on our terms. Only when it is convenient for us to help. That is not right. We must be ready to help in all circumstances and then with joy. Let it be so!
Holy Scripture
Titus 3: 12-15
Reflection
Are you able to give?
What you have to do?
Where?
Pray
Father, I find that I am too comfortable. I realize that I really only want to give in in good and pleasant circumstances. Help me to get up at any time to do good to others. Help me make a difference in other people’s lives wherever I go. In the name of Jesus, amen.
