Not so random Acts

“But Jesus accepts what we give, blesses it, breaks it open, and magnifies it. Often in ways that we don’t see or cannot see. Or will not be able to see in this lifetime. Who knows what a kind word does? Who knows what a single act of charity will do? Sometimes the smallest word or gesture can change a life.”

 James Martin, Jesus: A Pilgrimage

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What do I have to give?

Random acts of kindness?

Sporadic is probably a better word.

Momentary lapses into compassion and generosity/

Times when I leave essential selfishness behind, and put others first?

I wonder, if I am honest

If I have contributed all that much during my slow stumbling sojourn

On planet earth

I worry (I am a worrier) about whether I have been for force for good

Or just a person taking up space

I remember, shortly before my father, a family doctor, died of cancer

I had just received my doctorate in theology, and someone, talking to my

Then 5 year old son, was asked how it felt to have a father who was a doctor.

His only frame of reference was Gandpa

And so he answered with brutal honesty.

“It’s OK, but he isn’t the kind of doctor that does anybody any good

Oh, I have had my moments

When I have gotten outside my ego

My fear

My greed

Moments when I reached out with love and generosity

But also far too many other moments when my offerings were small

Contained

Limited

But ah!

Jesus

The one who gently slipped into creation

God’s great gift

The one who held three meager loaves in his hands

And a few random, stinky fish,

And made a banquet

The one who held a poor child in his lap

And made a child of God

O what Jesus does, with whatever we place in his hands

Eagerly, reluctantly,

Doubtfully, faithfully

It matters not

“Jesus accepts what we give, blesses it, breaks it open, and magnifies it”

Our meager gifts

Our reluctant offerings

Touched by holy love become,

Sacred

Our weakness becomes his strength

Our fear his compassion

Our selfishness his generosity

And the world is changed

one action of random kindness at a time