For our first reading, we have the last part of St Paul’s farewell speech to the church elders of Ephesus. Paul gives us a glimpse into his own personal dynamic. His imitation of Jesus Christ is the key to his life. In all he does he is led by the remembrance of the life and the words of Jesus.
He quotes Jesus’ words, “Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving.” (Another translation: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”) This beautiful saying of Jesus is not found in the gospels, but only here in the Acts of the Apostles. We can see how this saying has influenced St Paul’s life—giving himself and his life totally to others.
The goodness and happiness within a person is manifested by one’s generosity of heart. The more one is able to give her life, her time and talents to others, then that person is generous, good, kind, etc.
But grabbing, taking advantage of others and their goodness is very common in our societies. Selfishness and self-centredness have become a way of life in this world. From politics to religion, a life of selfishness is seen to be unfortunately common. Comfort-seeking and self-glorification have become common even in the church circles. The name of business is nothing but profit-making.
An infant is born into this world with closed-fists. But as it grows it needs to open up its fists, in an act of giving itself more and more. It is a movement from selfishness and egoism to true generosity and goodness of heart. All our successes, achievements and wealth cannot contribute to our growth, unless we are able to give, to contribute, and to share.
“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” To follow Jesus we need a big heart and mind. We need to give more and more, and perhaps become poorer in terms of worldly riches. Christian life therefore is a life of sacrifice. But it is a life, inspired by the Spirit and led by the Spirit. Which means, it is an inner process of being vivified by the same Spirit that enlivened Paul and other disciples.
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