Thursday – Second Week of Easter

Gospel – John 3: 31-36

Drinking From the Saucer!

Austrian Hospice, Jerusalem

As Ginger will attest, I do love a good steak, preferably a ribeye or New York strip!  And I have had the good luck to taste them at some really top-notch restaurants. Thank goodness for gift cards!  But hands-down, the most amazing carnivorous dining experience I have ever had was at Fogo de Chao.  Many of you know what I am talking about.  Over 15 different cuts and types of beef and lamb, carved and served tableside.  You have 2 colored cards at your seat, green to keep the meat coming and red to signal STOP!  So when we left the restaurant, I wasn’t just full; I was completely stuffed, no room for another bite!  You have probably had a similar experience.  Maybe it was Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner and you finally had to throw down the napkin and say NO MORE!  ENOUGH!

There is one line in today’s Gospel that really leaves me thinking: “God doesn’t ration the gift of the Spirit”.  Imagine what that says about our Creator!  His love is boundless!  His mercy is without borders!  His grace and His gift of the Spirit is without measure.  Even when we think we are lost and empty, God reminds us of His infinite and limitless love and grace!  Even if we think ‘unfilled”, God fills us with His Spirit until the cup is brimming over.  It reminds me of the following poem:

I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now.

But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough.

But I’ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ’Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, my faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed.

I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough.

I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.

Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

 

Drinking from My Saucer

by John Paul Moore

 

Through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, we are all filled with the Holy Spirit.  God has gifted us with His grace, filled to the point of overflowing.  Even when we think we are either empty or completely full, God reminds us today that He continues to fill our hearts and our souls with His love, His grace, His Spirit!

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