Proverbs 3:27-34
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim
when it is in your power to do it for him.
Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once.
Plot no evil against your neighbor,
against one who lives at peace with you.
Quarrel not with a man without cause,
with one who has done you no harm.
Envy not the lawless man
and choose none of his ways:
To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination,
but with the upright is his friendship.
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
When dealing with the arrogant, he is stern,
but to the humble he shows kindness.
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for those who live on the unemployed, and especially for those with families.
"Mercy is said to be a virtue influencing one's will to have compassion for, and, if possible, to alleviate another's misfortune."
Starting this week, each week will focus on one of the works of mercy each week. There are seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy.
This week, we will begin with the first corporal work of mercy: feed the hungry.
Today's reading reminds me that it is important not to look at the things that we have as ours, but as a means to love and give from our blessings. After all, God Himself gives from His abundance to each of us, and therefore, made in His image, we are called to show kindness to each other as well.
It is important to remember those who go without this day. There are many who long to see God, and you may be the one who shows them God's mercy and generosity. I once heard it said that, "man may not live on bread alone, but he won't live for very long without it." When you take care of the needs of the poor, you become a "type of" Christ as He gives each of us His Body to eat. We are called to give of our treasure, not tomorrow, but today, because Christ gives us His Body, not tomorrow, but today... and everyday. Take care and God Bless.
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