The Interaction of two earthly kings
My college roommate shared this story with me a few weeks ago, “Years ago, the professional golfer Arnold Palmer played a series of exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. When he finished the king was so impressed with Palmer's expertise that he desired to give Palmer a gift. Palmer, a multimillionaire in his own right, demurred: ‘It isn't really necessary, I just enjoyed meeting your people and playing in your country.’
The king indicated his extreme displeasure at not be able to give the golf pro a gift. Palmer wisely reconsidered and said, ‘Well, how about a golf club? A golf club would be a wonderful memento of my visit here’ The king was pleased. The following, day, a messenger delivered to Palmer's hotel the title of a golf club, thirty-six holes, trees, lakes, buildings. The moral of the story. In the presence of the king, don't ask for small gifts. [Brennan Manning---The Furious Longing of God]
Our king is God almighty, and we should accept the gift God offers us, the gift of eternal life, the gift of being all that we can be! I think reflecting on Psalm 85 (7-14) can help us put our life into an eternal perspective: Prayer for Divine Favor
“Certainly you will again restore our life,
that your people may rejoice in you.
Show us, Lord, your mercy;
grant us your salvation.
I will listen for what God, the Lord, has to say;
surely he will speak of peace
To his people and to his faithful.
May they not turn to foolishness!
Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him;
glory will dwell in our land.
Love and truth will meet;
justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth;
justice will look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will grant his bounty;
our land will yield its produce.
Justice will march before him,
and make a way for his footsteps.”
In our Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church the first question is, “What is God’s plan for man?” The answer is profound and enlightening “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life…. heirs of his eternal happiness.” [p.5]
God gave each of us the gift of life, our gift to God is how we live our life as disciples of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Think about the gift of life you have received and the gift of how you live your life for God.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Saint Andre Bessette intercede for us.
May God Be Praised!
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