Generous Gracious and Merciful

The psalmist in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers praise to God for those who "fear" the Lord. He paints a picture of the these people who are aware of their deep need to be in intimate relationship with the Divine and their "fear" that separation might occur with the Lord. "Wealth and riches are in their houses", "their righteousness endures for ever", and "they are gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with those who deal generously and lend". (Psalm 112) In the text from the Gospel of John, the apparent paradox that those who lose their life will keep it is presented in Jesus words to the disciples. He is again emphasizing the role of the disciple to be servant, die to self and know the intimacy with Jesus that would include giving all in accordance with the will of the Father. Paul addresses the Corinthians on the attitude of generosity which is practiced in communion with the will of God and is multiplied in blessings to the recipients and cheerfulness in the giver. The people in intimate relationship with the Divine through the resonance of their indwelling Spirit with the Spirit of God are generous, gracious and merciful.