My Daily Nourishment

A DOUBLE PORTION

It used to be always fun to have second servings of everything: food, drink, favors received. Seconds always give one a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Every mother knows what it means when the vendor offers a little “dagdag” (extra).

Even Elisha asked for a double portion from Elijah. His request was granted. He was given much more than he bargained for. We all can report similar experiences of “graced moments” like those of Elisha. We beg the Lord for something and before we know it, we receive more than we asked for — grace upon grace — “siksik, liglig, at naguumapaw” (pressed down, shaken together and running over). I come from the boonies of Cavite, which used to be known as the less progressive “upland” as distinct from “lowland Cavite.” Coming as we did from one of those farming towns, we had less in every way.

There was only one recurrent request that came out as fervent prayer from both my parents — that all of us, their nine children, would have a solid education. Needless to say, we all received double portions from the Lord. Our parents did not do too badly in that regard. But deep inside us, we knew that it was not only because of who they were and what they did for us. It was mostly on account of who God was for them and us, and what He did for us. Credit is due to Him who acted historically in Elijah, Elisha and so many other prophets and leaders, including our hardworking parents.

People of faith don’t simply pay lip service to such truths. They live it on a day-to-day basis. The religious hypocrites mentioned in today’s Gospel merely go through the motions. But their heart is far from the conviction that when God gives, He does so with prodigal generosity. For the essentials that were basically invisible to the eyes, they settled for a shallow show of piety.
We ought to aim high. We cannot be satisfied with shallowness a n d superficiality. We need to get close to a God of double portion — God who loves us without bounds.

Thanks to Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB for this very nice sharing.

Reflection Question:
Recall the many blessings in your life. Give thanks to God for them.

Our loving God, thank You for my life. Thank You for all the blessings — both the seen and unseen — that You have poured upon my lap.

Blessed Guy Vignotelli, pray for us.

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