Mon, Sep 23: “Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him” (Prv 3:27-34). Here’s an interesting question about perspective. “Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have power to help him” is the translation from The Septuagint: Sir Lancelot C. L. Brenton, 1851). The first translation mentions helping someone who has a “claim”—a day laborer, perhaps, to whom you owe wages. The second is different. There is no mention of the other having “a claim.” How do you view the poor and their rights? Do you believe, as Pope Francis likes to remind us, that the basic necessities of life are not a privilege but a right. Do the poor have a claim to a share of the good in the world? Provision: Examine your perspective. For me, the second translation says I should not hesitate to give to beggars on the street, given I have the power to help. When you and I look at the poor, do we see them as having a claim on that which is rightfully theirs, or do we adhere to “beggars can’t be choosers?”  How do you deal with the poor in our midst?

Tue, Sep 24: “Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it”
(Prv 21:1-6, 10-13). There’s a creek that runs behind our house. It’s strewn with rocks and roots. Over the years, it has been dry as a bone, and it has overflowed into the backyard. As far as I can see, there is no straight or unencumbered stretch as the stream winds its way to join other streams on its trek to the river. A good metaphor for life! Provision: Let God hold your heart. Allowing God to hold your heart and direct it as God pleases does not mean everything will run smoothly. There will be rocks and roots aplenty! But it does mean your life will find its way to its destination. Are you in good hands? God’s hands?

Wed, Sep 25: “Two things I ask of you…: give me neither poverty nor riches; … Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or, being in want, I steal and profane the name of my God” (Prv 30:5-9). There’s a saying attributed to Gandhi:"The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.” It’s another perspective on Monday’s reflection. It appears the author(s) of Proverbs are referring to the “allotted portion,” an Old Testament term that describes the plot of land Israelite families were given to provide for their sustenance. But it is also used to describe something that is “enough.” Provision: “Enough is enough.” Man, I struggle with this one! I have more than enough. What’s your opinion? Many of the readings this week present a perspective that bears little resemblance to how we live, at least in many parts of the Western world. Reflect today on what is “enough” in your life. What would you change in order that all have enough?

Thu, Sep 26: “All is mere breath…The eye is not sated with seeing nor the ear filled with hearing” (Eccl [Qohelet]: 1:2—11, Hebrew translation). “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Ps 90). One can choose to embrace the Mystery of God’s perspective— “a thousand years are as yesterday”—or one can be baffled and discouraged by the futility and frailty of human life. Where do you stand in the face of Mystery? Provision: Rejoice in the Mystery. I think the essential message of Qohelet is this: “Get over yourself! You are not God, and you won’t figure this out!”  This is not to say we don’t strive to learn more, to go deeper into the mystery that is God and creation. But it is faith that allows us to embrace what we cannot know, trusting in the love and mercy of our Creator. Rejoice!

Fri, Sep 27: “There is an appointed time for everything…God has made everything appropriate to its time” (Eccl 3:1-11). Provision: What time is it? (And not as Yogi Berra would answer: “Ya mean now?” 😉) Read this oft-quoted passage. Read it slowly and deliberately. What is happening in your life right now? I tend to think we live most of our lives “in between,” no longer weeping or mourning, yet not quite ready to laugh and dance. But this perspective of being where we are according to God’s timing is helpful in allowing ourselves to accept and be present to what is, letting the Spirit teach us what we are to learn. Make time to be where you are.

Sat, Sep 28 “And dust returns to the earth as it was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it” (Eccl 11:9-12:8). Provision:  Remember: “We are dust and unto dust we will return. We are Love and unto Love we will return.” It’s both….but… I guess it all depends on your perspective.

Elaine Ireland has a passion for working with parents and anyone who struggles to maintain a sense of God’s love and peace amid the day-to-day challenges of life. She has a master’s degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from the Pastoral Counseling department at Loyola, Maryland, with a focus on developmental psychology and spiritual guidance.  Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, she is a writer, retreat and workshop leader, and presenter on topics such as pastoral parenting, “letting go,” and finding the spiritual in the midst of everyday life. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with her husband, Mark and children, David and Maggie.

We hope you enjoy "Come and See!" and we welcome your input. Please contact Elaine Ireland at ehireland@gmail.com with questions, comments, and responses, or to receive Provisions free via email.