It goes without saying that it is never permitted to receive even the least recompense for preaching, or the administration of the sacraments, or any other ministry.
1818 Rule Part 1, Chapter 3, §1 Preaching
The Missionary co-operator of the Savior must imitate the example of the apostles:
“Give as freely as you have received! Don’t take any money in your money belts– no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.”
Matthew 10:8-10
“There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in – that we do it to God, to Christ, and that’s why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.” Mother Teresa
My reaction (note I use the word reaction and not response) this morning is probably very telling. The title sounds really nice – “Somthing beautiful for God”. But as I read on there seem to be a lot of questions – does this mean that the pastor shouldn’t get paid, does this mean that I should not get paid for my work? My mind starts to run ahead with an awful lot of questions and reasons for not reading more. But I do read on – from Matthew and find myself saying – “well that’s fine for those (don’t you love that word, those?) those people in the time of Jesus, but the world has changed and thats not how it works now.” I seem to be very good putting up barriers – even when they aren’t necessarily needed.
It is only after reading the quote from Mother Theresa that I think I might just be “getting it”. The why we are doing what we do, the how we are doing what we do. It starts to tie into yesterday’s post – but only after I give it time to settle in me. I seem to have a hard time responding to the “don’ts” in Matthew and the “never permitted”.
I wonder – does anyone else out there react the way I do? I want to be able to say that I do what I do for the love of God, and there is truth in that – because I do what I do because of the love that God has filled me with, but it is not from any grace of my own. Even the desire to do something good seems to have come from God – I can’t lay claim to it. It is not neat and tidy at all.
I am sure Eugene wrote this tongue-in-cheek, with a smirk on his face…
I was married in the Catholic church. I buried my mother and my father in the Catholic church.
I have been in several priests’ houses. I don’t know a priest who doesn’t have a car and we are not talking “basic transportation” here.
Even our own Oblates – I am quite sure that Fr. Richard Rohr and Fr. Ron Rolheiser accepted a tiny bit more than transportation and accommodation expenses for preaching at the R.E. Congress this past weekend in California.
Even my own Galilee –
“Movie Night@Galilee
Thursday, 29 March
7pm @ Galilee Centre
“The Shift”
Dr. Wayne Dyer
The portrait of three modern lives in need of new direction and meaning. Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the spiritual journey of the second half of life when we long to find the purpose that is in our unique contribution to the world. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught in early life-which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation-are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back. Join us and invite a friend.
Donation at the Door”
Yes, Catholic clergy always call it a “donation” but it is expected.
I understand the need for money to exist and to carry on the mission.
I too enjoy the pomp and glitz in some ceremonies.
but
I wonder what Jesus thinks about the gold thread woven through Father’s chasuble at mass.