When reading the Bible, it’s easy to think that instructions are symbolic—granted sometimes they are—or for another time and place. Sometimes, we simply may not want to think about what we’re being urged to do.
But, the idea of beating out our olive trees, whatever they may be, and shaking out the excess, is more important now than ever.
Aliens, widows and orphans are given as examples of those who are powerless to help themselves. When we look around us today, we see the homeless, the houseless, those with addictions, those with mental illness. We must not strip away from them what we are able to give.
Let’s ask ourselves: What is my olive tree? Can I offer finances? Can I offer possessions that I no longer use to a newly arriving family? Can I offer my time?
We have all been needy in one way or another at some point in our lives. Taking the time to ponder and be grateful for the ways we were helped through those times could motivate us to do the same for someone else’s needs.
God, help me let go of what I cling to for the benefit of others. Amen. —