GOSPEL READING : Mark 10:17-31 :
RICH FOR GOD.
I remember visiting a Mennonite Church in the Amish County, Pennsylvania, USA, during the summer 1993 after attending the 9th World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches in Philadelphia, PA. The very kind Pastor there welcomed me to attend twice their church services. What did I see?
Every Sunday, an elderly farmer used to arrive at the Church compound thirty minutes before service started. I could see more than 20 kids running towards his Chevrolet pick-up shouting with joy and singing. As soon as he parked his vehicle, he got out and distributed sweets to each one of the children who were so excited.
The following Sunday, I was there again and the giver came as usual and parked his pick-up at the same place. Kids moved to him in a hurry and he distributed sweets again to each one of them. Then I approached this kind man and asked him whether he did so every Sunday. He said: “Yes, of course, I have been giving and giving sweets to kids for years while praying for them as well. They know I can’t come to Church without some joy brought for them in my pockets. My ideal is to give joy to all the kids in this Church and have them always remember coming to Church every Sunday.”
From this true story, one could say that sweets meant nothing. But I believe this weekly love gifts meant something great in these children’s lives even when they come to leave their little town to go to live somewhere else. It was written in their hearts and minds. They knew someone at Church was thinking about them and praying for them every Sunday.
God is A Giver! Our Lord Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to give and give blessing upon blessing to men despite their unbelief. His mandate in the Holy Trinity was and is still “GIVE, GIVE and GIVE!” That’s what He also wanted taught to this rich young man who came to Him with a deep concern about inheriting eternal life and who unfortunately was a super-selfish who had never had a chance to experience “GIVING WITH LOVE”.
“Oh, you want to come with me to Heaven! Jesus checked, it’s easy BUT NOT VERY EASY, Sir, because candidates to Heaven should experience GIVING first. So, go, SELL and GIVE WITH LOVE to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and then COME, FOLLOW ME”.
“Giving” is a Godly medal that does not belong to worldly selfish and over proud people. “Giving” is the super-light for believers on the avenue to Heaven. “Giving” is the ultimate and perfect Prayer of Perfect people that God accepts.
“Giving” is the breath of Love!
For Love without Giving is not Love at all,
And Giving without Love
Does not belong to God’s Business
But to man’s pride !”
“Be Perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, NIV)
In the love of Christ,
Contact us:
EPISCOPAL FREE CHURCH-PROVINCE OF BURUNDI
Bishop Dr. Justin Baransananikiye
President
P.O. Box 197 Gitega (Burundi)
Tel: (+257)79 877 097
Email: baransajust@gmail.com
SKYPE: Justin Baransananikiye
Website: http://iprayforyou.worthyofpraise.org