Give Without Counting the Cost

Today as we remember St. Barnabas, faithful companion of St. Paul, we read from St. Matthew's gospel, the words of Jesus to the Twelve in preparation for their missionary efforts, and for all of us. (cf. Mt 10:7-13). Just a few powerful verses, enough to guide us and challenge us for our lifetime, the kicker being, "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Mt 10: 8), a reminder that we are only stewards of whatever we have, for it all comes from God as a free gift, and so, we are to give it away freely, not cling to it as if we are entitled to it.  It's hard enough to do this with our things, but even harder when it comes to our time, our own plans and our own will.  We might easily share a few dollars with the needy, but please, don't ask me to spend "MY" time with them! Don't we all fall into this kind of thinking?  Praying over this short passage will show us that, yes there is a balance to be maintained, but Jesus asks us not to set limits even when we are tired.  We can go that extra mile, and in so doing, we often are surprised at where the energy comes from, and we are even more surprised when the time finally comes for us to rest and we see that God was with us all the time and now provides for our needs...in ways that show he doesn't count the cost either
Bro. Rene