Spend 5 with Jesus: You did not till, build or plant

It is understandable that when a person works hard to build a business, often through sacrifice and hard work, the assumption can be that they did all the hard work and deserve all the credit. But in every human accomplishment, we did not till, build or plant. Our success depends upon those with whom we work. We do not do things without the contributions and support of others.

You did not till, build or plant

“I gave you a land that you had not tilled and cities that you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.”

We live in a society where it seems that accomplishments are seen as individual things. President Barack Obama got into some trouble on the campaign trail with the phrase, “You did not build that.” He was referencing that much of any person’s success is dependent upon what they inherit from the work of others.

It is understandable that when a person works hard to build a business, often through sacrifice and hard work, the assumption can be that they did all the hard work and deserve all the credit. But in every human accomplishment, it was not all up to us. Our success depends upon those with whom we work. We do not do things without the contributions and support of others.

This is especially true in the spiritual life. God reminds the people now being led by Joshua that the promised land was pure gift to the Israelites. Thy did not till the soil, build the cities or plant the vineyards. Others did.

In our own lives, we can be tempted to take credit for our accomplishments, spiritual or otherwise, and forget that ways in which God grace alone makes spiritual growth possible. To be sure, we need to cooperate with God’s grace. But we can never act without it. All good we do comes from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the outpouring of God’s grace.

So what is it we are to do? We are always, first and foremost to be grateful. In the repentance and conversion during Hosea’s time, the people recognize God’s role and place in their lives. We will never again say, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands.”

In fact, during this time of Eucharistic Revival, we are to recognize more fully the connection from the meaning of the word Eucharist and thanksgiving. Without God, we fail. With God, all things are possible.

Spend 5 with Jesus is a reflection based upon the readings of the day.