Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over
As money plays such an important role in our modern day world, it is not surprising that the line from this week’s Gospel Luke 6: 27-38 ‘Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap’ is popularly interpreted as money. Even the Church needs money to carry out its mission.
Yet, wealth as a weath harvest, the line seems to suggest, is much more than money. It includes generosity in love, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus calls us to give freely of ourselves—not just in material wealth, but in our time, compassion, and willingness to serve others.
When we give with open hearts, we receive an abundance of grace, relationships, and spiritual fulfillment that far surpasses material gain. True wealth is found in a life of selfless giving, where our actions reflect the boundless love of God, and the blessings we receive in return are not always measured in coins, but in the richness of a life well lived.
A few mornings ago, during our walk, I shared a thought with Sandee that I’ve been reflecting on—how our marriage seems to have unfolded in three distinct stages. First, Our Wedding Stage, the seven years following our wedding day. Then, Our Marriage Encounter Stage, spanning the 35 years after our transformative Marriage Encounter weekend. And now, Our Post-COVID Years, the four years since our reunion after nine months of separation in 2020. I smiled and told her, “These past four years have been the best.” Without missing a beat, Sandee added with a laugh, “And they’re also the years we’ve had the least income.”
It is so true, our experience underlining the fact that true wealth is more than money. It is a wealth measured in shared laughter, in quiet moments of understanding, in the deep companionship that has only grown stronger over the years.
These past four years have taught us that abundance is found in the simple joys of life—morning walks, heartfelt conversations, the comfort of each other’s presence. While financial security has its place, it is love, intimacy, faith, and gratitude that truly sustain us. In embracing this season of less, we have, in many ways, gained so much more.
I do not want to minimize the need for funds for daily living. In fact I am seeking funding for the production of this newsletter. But I recognize that funds is just one part of true wealth. While financial support helps sustain this newsletter, its true value comes from the sowing of the seeds of the Gospel, the encouragement it offers, and the hope it fosters.
So, as I continue this journey, I do so with gratitude—for the generosity of those who give, both in material ways, but also through their time, prayers, and support. Because in the end, the richest life is one rooted in faith, love, and a spirit of giving.
Friend, I encourage you to visit my pastoral website where I offer 4 membership programs (one of them is the Emmaus Road Bookstore) geared to helping us live the joyful life of a Christian (Pastoral Website LINK). I also appeal to those who can afford, to become a patron of this newsletter by upgrading to a paid subscriber, at the link below.