Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 1:3
This is Brigid who loved the poor,
and gave away all she could spare
and would have given everything
if everything was hers to share.
She gave her love to God as well,
in her community at Kildare,
all souls were welcome to feast
on simple food, ale, and love of Him
who gave unstintingly for us
His love, His heart, His dying blood.
Her utmost love was love returned.
And this is the way that Brigid lived,
the prayer that Patrick made,
the circle Ninian drew,
the life that Martin taught,
the house that love built,
the heart that John heard,
the way that God made.
Poem on the way of Brigid in Celtic Daily Prayer (New York: Harper Collins, 2002) 785-786. Soon I will be through this precious book. I pray the posts have been a blessing to you.
Let us give thanks for the privilege of serving a God who gives to us unstintingly. While I could image the meaning of this word, I looked it up.
Unstintingly means “not restricting or holding back: giving or being given freely or generously.” God gives unstintingly to us. This positions us to go and do likewise.
Think of people in your life who have inspired you by their sacrificial living, their generous giving, their timely support, or for helping you grasp the Christian life.
Pause and notice the last stanza of the poem. Each person contributed to the faith of the community in Ireland. These have contributed to you. What contribution will you make?
As I ponder, I wonder if someone would say this about me: “the meditations that Gary posted.” Candidly, I never dreamed I’d do this daily for 12 years and counting. It’s calling from God not a plan on my part.
Today I honor my sister, Heather, on her birthday. As it was said of Brigid, I would say of her “the utmost love that Heather returned” because her loving sacrifices have been many. Happy Birthday, Heather.
But I press you once more. We serve a God who gives unstintingly, and we need each other to play our part so the faith that was once for all handed down to us spreads to others. What contribution will you make?