by Kurt Tobin
“It is in giving that we receive” – St. Francis of Assisi
Seton Men, I ask you to be courageous – and give.
We have so much to be thankful for in our lives, and I am especially thankful for my faith, our Seton community, and the families that make up that community. But as much as I receive here at this parish, the biggest reward is when I give back.
Giving of myself for God’s work in our parish and our community and seeing its impact on people, and building relationships along the way with others and most importantly with Christ has been the greatest gift, and there is none greater.
It’s so tough though, to give, and prioritize our days to align with God’s will. Our time is constantly consumed, and we give it away too freely sometimes – often to places and things that we think will make us happy, but that really never fill that big hole in our lives. Our God-given gifts and talents are underutilized. The funny thing is, we know this, deep down, but it’s often so hard to take that first step to give to God.
I’ve been humbled in my life. I realized, or rather God helped me to realize, that the things you give your time, talent, and treasure to will consume you. We can be selfish and keep them to ourselves for our own plan and desire, or we can give for the benefit of others, according to God’s plan and His desire. We reap what we sow, and where we sow it. Good or bad.
For me, it’s been in using my talents and gifts for the benefit of the parish, and this has led to relationships with other men and their families that I could not have imagined.
I know that I would not have the strength of faith, the love for our parish, or the hunger for more without the men of the Seton, without these relationships. For the last 4 years, I have jumped out of bed to come to That Man is You at 6 am on Friday mornings. I have been encouraged to become a catechist and I joined a brotherhood of Knights. The sacrifices I’ve made pale in comparison to the blessings received. I now have brothers in the faith, men constantly encouraging me to fight the good fight, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Giving to God is not easy, nobody ever said it was. It really takes courage. But the hardest part is the first step. And the more you give of yourself, the more courageous you get and the easier it gets. Your life will change for the better.
Brothers, have the courage to give! Have the courage to take the smallest of steps this September 9th and give one day of your time to God to listen to the message He wants to tell you. Come join your fellow Seton brothers for a day of encouragement, a day of fraternity, and a day of hope.
We face similar challenges, and we all face the same daily choice – to give. The question is, do you give to yourself, or do you give back to God?
Men, come join us! Come and see what happens when you give to God. Have Faith. Come and Be Courageous!