January 19

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."—Acts 20:35.

It is more blessed to give than to receive: it is one of the Logia of the Lord, and there must be many such, which the Gospels do not record on any of their pages.

More blessed it is, because it is more Godlike. God is always giving. Rain and dew and sunlight, life and health, the discipline of sickness and the chastening of sorrow, and, best of all, His own dear Son and all that Jesus brings; how that Heart of hearts loves to pour forth its inexhaustible treasure! There are no limits to its bounty. If I give I shall be like God.

More blessed it is, because it is more fruitful. It is those who give—give money, and time, and culture, and labour, and themselves—who are the world's benefactors and saviours. The selfish soul never blesses those about him; only the self-forgetful soul does that. So I must give, if I would not have my life barren and vain, if I would not be a mere cumberer of the ground.

More blessed it is, because it is the consequence and consummation of receiving. First I receive, and then I give. I receive Christ and His salvation with empty hands, with needy heart; and then, having been made rich myself, I impart of my wealth and store to others. I am loved, ineffably, divinely, in order that I may learn to love. The receiving is the prelude; the giving is the result and crown. The receiving is the pathway, and the giving is the end.

So let me remember and obey the words of the Lord Jesus. And let me thank St. Paul that he has preserved for me a flower of the Master's speech which is not enshrined in the Evangel itself.