A Call to Repent

A very special Christmas gift came in the mail a day or two ago.  Someone from long ago who has become a good friend in recent years sent the gift in an envelope.  It was a card with a note inside which said, "A gift has been made in your honor to share God's love with others by providing food to hungry people through the Society of St. Andrew.  The gift will share more than 300 servings of fresh, nutritious food with those in need."  I was deeply touched to be remembered by my friend in such a way.  It also sent me to a search for the ministry provided by the Society of St. Andrew.    

It reminded me, too, of the way so so much is spent in frivolous pursuits during this Christmas season.  I am not against giving gifts to one another.  Being able to give brings us joy and being gracious recipients brings joy to others.  When I received my gift in the mail the other day, I was first grateful, and then as time has gone on I have found myself mindful of how more generous I could be to those whose needs are much more basic than a new gadget which will live its life in a drawer, or an over priced box of candy that will only add inches to the waistline.  

From that moment of painful awareness, old John the Baptist came to mind.  Is he not the one who takes a moment on center stage during this week of Advent?  Did he say something about repentance?  I think he did.  Could he be speaking to folks like us who are so extravagant in giving to those whose needs are met and so stingy in giving to those who are truly destitute and in need?  Is there not room in the leftovers of our affluence for both kinds of giving?  My answer is the same as yours and it is with a heaviness in my heart that I know repentance requires expressing this lack of balance in my care for those I love easily and those I do not know, yet, am called to love.  In Your mercy, Lord Jesus, forgive."