Giving

 Deuteronomy 26:  1-11 v 3 “Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, “with this gift I acknowledge to the Lord our God that I have entered the land He swore to our ancestors He would give us.”

When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you put some of the first products of each crop in a basket and bring it to the designated place of worship. Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, “with this gift I acknowledge to the Lord our God that I have entered the land He swore to our ancestors He would give us.” Say to the Lord, “ when the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves we cried out to the Lord. He heard our cries. And now, O Lord, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest.  Afterwards celebrate with your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration.

In this season of lent the three main areas of reflection are prayer, fasting and giving. Today’s passage from the bible talks about the history of the Jewish people and how they came to be in the land of milk and honey. And how important it is to give first to God and then to have a celebration, inviting Levites, those working in the temple for the Lord, and foreigners living among you. Give today some of your produce to a religious charity, then think of a way of celebrating with your neighbors.

Prayer: Almighty God who hears our cries for help, and with a strong hand and a powerful arm you provided for us we thank you. Accept our offering today of the good things you have given us. Give us insight into organizing a celebration too. Amen.