“Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from Thee, the Father of Lights…” (Prayer from the Divine Liturgy based upon James 1:17).

“Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from Thee, the Father of Lights…” (Prayer from the Divine Liturgy based upon James 1:17).

All things come from God, and these blessings are given willfully, freely, and undeservedly, including spiritual gifts and grace. And, since we are created in the image of God and are encouraged to be “like” God, He expects us to bestow His gifts – both material and spiritual – back into the world, being good stewards of what is entrusted to us. As it states in today’s gospel lesson, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8).

Fr. John