Open Hands

As my wife continues her recovery from foot surgery, she cannot put any weight on her foot.  To move around, she uses a walker.  She holds on with both hands, pushes herself up, and swings her good foot forward.  She is unable to take hold of anything else, say even a cup of water, because her hands are already full.

This image connected me to the gospel reading, offering a powerful visual. It made me think—What am I holding onto, like that walker, or like the rich man in today’s gospel? What’s capturing my attention that I will ultimately not be able to take with me into eternity? We come into this world with empty hands. How can I use my hands for the Lord in this life and, hopefully, return to Him one day with empty hands, receiving eternal life?

If we give ourselves to God, place our faith in Him, listen to His word, and follow Him, we can’t lose. Can we eat, drink, and be merry in the meantime, enjoying our many blessings and God’s creation? Yes! As long as we never seek or prefer creation before the Creator. God is waiting to give us something far greater. But His gifts can only be received with open hands.