‘The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back’
The oft quoted words from the inaugural address of president John F. Kennedy ‘ think not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country’ remind us that we are not here just to take all the time or to indulge in selfish individualism but to give of ourselves so that we can improve the lot of our brothers and sisters and of the world around us. Thankfully we are still blessed in our world with many generous spirited people who give of themselves tirelessly as volunteers and in other capacities and reach out to others without counting the cost. There are many examples: family members who care for elderly loved ones at home, parents who care for a sick child or make great sacrifices for their families, those who look after a neighbour living alone, those who dedicate hours to the enhancement of their communities or organisations without seeking any reward, those in our church communities who fulfil various ministries, those who simply offer a word of thanks, who take time to listen to others, provide a shoulder to lean on, who brighten up someones day with a smile. We could go on and on.
Those who pour out generous measures of their gifts and talents, their time, their energy will tell you that they receive much in return. Jesus says in todays Gospel ‘the amount you measure out is ‘the amount you will be given back’. There you have it, when you think not what others can do for you but what you can do for others everyone is winning. Maybe during this lent we can give thanks for those who measure out and invest themselves in the well being of others and perhaps all of us might renew our commitment to be givers and not just takers. Everyone has something to measure out, no act of kindness or generosity is too small or insignificant! We will receive many blessings in return.
