They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts. Matthew 12:11
My favorite definition of grace is a gift unearned. So perhaps it was grace more than coincidence that a homily on the Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the giving of gifts, included a call for volunteers just as I was about to begin a semester-long academic sabbatical in 2012. A sense of obligation to be more devoted plus an attitude of “why not?” prompted me to make a three-month commitment to spend an hour per week in a small chapel at my Catholic church. That those three months extended to 13 years has been not only a gift to me, but one I’ve opened and offered to others in diverse ways.
Receiving unexpected gifts can prompt one of two responses: feeling special, somehow chosen, or feeling inspired to share, “re-gifting” in today’s parlance. Some say that the true meaning of a gift is not realized until it is passed along, offered to anyone with generosity and without conditions. In Alcoholic Anonymous, for example, the gift of sobriety, a “spiritual awakening” obtained via the first 11 steps, is lost if not carried to other addicts and alcoholics through service: Step 12.
I’ve always believed I am not in full possession of my values, beliefs, and faith until I share them with others, even to the point of sacrifice.
Continue reading “Sharing Gifts: The Essence of Faith and Community”
Jean P. Kelly, Intentional Path Media 