More Will Be Given

http://www.usccb.org/nab/072408.shtml

July 24, 2008

Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Matthew 13:11-12

Piety

"Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!" 1 Chronicles 4:10 (aka The Prayer of Jabez)

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/072408.shtml

To anyone who has, more will be given.

No. Jesus is not talking about your 401(K) or that beachfront property you have been wanting. Jesus is talking about your biblical understanding quotient. As we open our eyes and ears to what Jesus is telling us in our study, then we will learn even more. As we pray, our prayers will be answered. As we show charity to our neighbors and enemies, others will show charity toward us. We will continue to grow in faith. If we do not, then whatever Jesus has offered to us will be taken back.

As the notes to the NAB tell us, "God gives further understanding to one who accepts the revealed mystery; from the one who does not, he will take it away." So Christianity is a two-way street. Or as the old sign in the Worship Center at St. Mary of Sorrows said, "Christianity is not a spectator sport." God will work with you provided that you work with God.

Action

In his book on the Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson encourages us to "Attempt something large enough that failure is guaranteed…unless God steps in!"

Break out of your comfort zone. Put God at the center of your work and receive the blessings that God will bestow upon you. More will be given to you.