One of the problems that many of us have in following the teachings of Jesus is that we see those teachings as a series of obligations, as a list of commands against which we are asked to measure our discipleship. Some of us might even see them as a set of hurdles over which we are asked to jump to demonstrate our love for God. Of course, as disciples we are obliged to follow the teachings of Jesus. But to understand them as some kind of test or burden that we are asked to bear is to approach them in the wrong direction. In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” We may hear this as an obligation. “Yes,” we say, “I should be more giving. Is should be more generous. If I were more generous, I would more clearly show that I am a follower of Christ.” Now this is true. But, approaching the teaching as a simple command, overlooks another benefit of the teaching. Jesus’ teaching that we be generous is not commanded for God’s sake or even simply for our neighbor’s sake. Jesus gives us this teaching for our sake, for our benefit. When Jesus asks us to be generous, He is not giving us an obligation to be met, but a secret to be lived. The secret is this: when we are generous, we are happy. This teaching of generosity leads us to a deeper life. Carl Menninger was one the founders of modern psychotherapy, and he spent his life diagnosing various mental illnesses. Menninger recalls a therapy session with a very wealthy client who was beset with depression and fear. During that session, the doctor asked the client, “What do you plan to do with all your money?” “I don’t know”, said the client, “Probably just worry about it, worry about keeping it, worry about making more of it.” So, Menninger asked, “Tell me this, is this worrying about your money giving you pleasure?” “No,” the man sighed, “not at all. It is only making me more fearful and depressed — yet the thought of giving up any of my money terrifies me.” It was out of this encounter that Menninger devised one of the central principles of his philosophy; generous people are seldom mentally ill - generous people tend to be healthy people. Jesus is telling us that if we wish to be happy, we should be generous, we should give what we have away. Use our blessings as gifts for others. Remember Jesus’ wise teaching “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” It is not a burden, not an obligation. Jesus is showing us the way to happiness, the way to life.       ~ Fr. John