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Paddy, the Irishman arrived in Heaven with two fists
full of clay from the ‘ould country. St. Peter explained that we
must have empty hands when we meet God. Paddy said that he fought for land
and country and the clay was his. Peter brought the problem to Mary. Mary
said that we have a lovely little angel here and she is Paddy’s grandchild.
We will bring her to him. When Paddy saw his darling angel he forgot about
the clay, opened wide his arms and gave her a big hug.
We find it difficult to imagine that ’all’ is given to
us by God. All we need is empty hands. Our minds are schooled with an “earn
a merit” mentality. Yet what can an infant do to earn or merit love by deed
or thought. I think that Jesus story today is telling us about being
grateful receivers. Riches, He says, can be a big distraction, because they
pretend to fill us up and we can end up, fed up. Riches is not just money
in the bank. There are all kinds of substitutes, wanting to be young forever,
being a star, being in charge, and calling the shots. They are riches that
seem to satisfy but are short lived and passing.
A little boy begged on the street...’’Give me a copper
and God bless you.’’ A pompous man said to him ’God didn’t bless you much, did
He?’ The little boy said ’Oh, he did sir. He gave the money to others for
me, but they forgot to share.’
Money is a blessing and important. It is ‘love’ of money
or riches that can block the love-heart artery.
Lord, make our hearts eager to do good for others.
Liam
Hickey St. Ciarans Hartstown Dublin 15.
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