Daily Meditation for December 12, 2025

“Do you have to bring something to get something?” Snippets of conversation are often pearls of wisdom. This particular snippet is really truth personified and happens almost every day. We see an ad where the merchant giving away an item lures us in because we are promised a surprise gift. In small print, then, it says you need to bring a friend. What? Why is the gift attached to something entirely unrelated? Much of advertising works this way. But what about the parties we attend? Do you feel obligated to bring a bottle of wine when you go? After all, you are getting a free meal. Yes, that could be operating, but you could also feel friendly and just want to contribute to the feast. How do we feel when Jesus promises goodness, kindness and love when we choose His way? Are we obligated to give because we are receiving?

By Mary Jane Berger, OSB