Generosity: Receiving and giving

Reflection

This story is full of giving and receiving: Paul received unusual kindness from the islanders; Paul gives healing to the father of Publius and others; having lost everything in the storm, the 276 receive abundant provisions as they set sail. As Christians we are called to unusual kindness. But in order to give we must first learn to receive – from Christ and from others. More often than we realize, we are recipients of acts of kindness from people who are different from us. These acts also point towards the generosity and healing of our Lord. We who have been healed by the Lord are responsible for passing on that which we have received.

Prayer

God, giver of life,

we thank you for the gift of your compassionate love

which soothes and strengthens us.

We pray that our churches

may be always open to receive your gifts from one another.

Grant us a spirit of generosity to all

as we journey together in the path of Christian unity.

We ask this in the name of your Son

who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.