Ordinary Time, 25th Sunday. My theme as a child was, "It's not fair!" To which my mother would respond, "Life's not fair." Sure enough, she was right. God does not treat everyone the same. God is generous: he gives us all far better than what we really deserve. Though we are far, God is near. The true gift that God offers is Himself, and he offers Himself to every person.

St. Paul shows us the right attitude. He lives in a relationship of nearness to God and he is grateful for all he has received. What's more, St. Paul gives generously in proportion to how he has generously received. God gives more to some and less to others. But the more we have received, the more we are asked to give.

Saturday the Church celebrated the memorial of the Korean martyrs: Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions. The faith in Korea is unique because it was brought by a Korean, Yi Sung-hun. He encountered the faith in Beijing and was baptized there. He came back to Korea bringing rosaries, statues and catechisms, eager to evangelize his countrymen. He had received the gift of faith and he knew what it was worth. You have received the gift of faith; do you realize what it's worth?

(21 Sep 2014)

Pause and Reflect

• When did I first receive the gift of faith?
• Have I thanked God for the gift of faith?
• How is God inviting me to share that gift with others?