Generous Compassionate

Generosity and compassion are virtues which are in the texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary. The development of the line of descendants of Abraham is interesting as we not unexpectedly encounter a journey in which God does the unexpected. The mission of Abraham’s servant to find a wife for Isaac, who is 40 years old, reveals the desire of Abraham that his family line not continue through contact with the local Canaanites. Friar JudeWinkler suggests that Isaac was perhaps a bit of a wimp and may be categorized today as a “momma’s boy”. The manly heroic characteristics which we associate with the “best” leadership are not the requirements of work for God. The beauty and generosity of the woman, Rebekah, who falls in love with Isaac and becomes his wife, are legendary. The Gospel of Matthew describes the invitation of Jesus to Matthew to “follow Him”. This simple and direct offer declares at least two truths to Matthew. Jesus does not see him in the way that the society sees him. The tax collector was treated as a sinner who collaborated with the Romans and was likely dishonest in the collection of taxes. The call to relationship with Jesus is a call to move and do. Responding to the call is risky because we prefer to have done our homework and have the facts before we commit but the compassion and love of the One who invites enables us to move in trust. Friar Jude makes illusion to the solid trust and compassion of Joseph, husband of Mary, as an example of how we might move and serve God.