“Beloved: The grace of God has appeared.” Titus 2:11
The day we have been waiting and longing for has arrived. Merry Christmas! By the time you read this, the gifts under the tree have probably all been unwrapped, but many more substantial gifts can still be given today and throughout the coming year. Here are some gift ideas from the Rule of Saint Benedict:
• Speak truth from the heart. RB Prol. 26; Speak the truth with heart and tongue. RB 4:28
• You must honor everyone. RB 4:8
• Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love. RB 4:25-26
• Love your enemies and bless those who curse you. RB 4:31-32
• Respect the elders and love the young. RB 4:70
• Welcome guests as Christ. RB 53:1
These are not gifts you can wrap, but if you can give them, you will give great blessings to those you love and even those who may be challenging to love.
By Sister Karen Ann Lortscher, OSB