Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me give alms from a heart that is pure...

 
Luke 11:37-41
                                        
It is very clear:  a pure heart produces good things.  If I give ‘alms’ out of obligation, for show, or because I am downsizing, I am giving with the outside of the cup, the outside of my heart, to use Jesus’ metaphor, while building up sludge and crusty residue on the inside of the cup. The effect of such almsgiving is at best nice, and at worst demeaning.  But when I let the cleansing love and mercy of God flow into, and out from, the chalice of my heart, then the time, talent and treasure I give away are genuine, and leave light, love and life in their wake.  Is the cup of my heart stale and soiled, or refreshed and pure by the washing waves of God’s love and mercy?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me give alms from a heart that is pure.   
 
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.       (Hebrews 4: 12 ) 
                                     
It is love alone that gives worth to all things.
St. Theresa of Jesus
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei