It Started Out Pure of Heart
The two little carolers gathered one day—just for fun. Giggle they did as they made their way down the street dressed for winter. Christmas break it was and the after glow of the season was still within. Thus, the idea of doing a little Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood was thought to be a good idea.
Scouting out a prospect who might need a little Christmas cheer was easy as they approached the elderly widow’s home. With a light tap upon the door, it opened and the singing began. Never mind the interrupted measures between each stanza was mixed with giggles. Although they truly wanted to make someone’s day merry and bright, they were of that age where laughter came on its own accord seeming to bubble up out of nowhere.
Once done, the elderly lady motioned for them to stay where they were and with door left ajar, she was gone. In short order, she appeared once again. With a box of beautiful candy in hand, she passed it to the two who now stood aghast. What should they do? It seemed as though turning it down would offend, and receiving it might taint the intentionality of the pure hearted gift they were trying to give.
With the insistence that it be taken, the two closed the door as their voices echoed thanks for what had been given. Awkwardly, they paused, not knowing quite what to do. Taste testing that which had been given seemed logical, and thus, they did. It was the quiet inner conscience of each which left them wondering if what had taken place was okay. Soon, as they approached the next house, it wasn’t the gift of song they longed to share, but in the recesses of their hearts, the wonderment that perhaps they might receive another fine gift as this…and another if they continued on through the neighborhood.
Memories fade as the years have passed but that which has embedded was that of an elderly woman handing over a box of candy that no doubt had been gifted to her by others who could not be with her that Christmas. With an air of gentle kindness wafting between the storm door and the main portal entrance where she stood, the transactions had taken place. We gave. She gave. She received. We received.
But it wasn’t supposed to be that way, and once we received the pastel-colored box of candies, something shifted. Pure of heart giving no longer took front and center as the awkwardness of having to receive payback for that which we were giving—left one feeling a bit funny about the whole situation.
Often it can be more difficult to be the recipient of rather than the giver of.
“For unto us a child is given, unto us a Son is born” (Isaiah 9:6). Long ago plans were made that Jesus be given to all men as the Savior of the world. Feel free to receive that which has been given as pure gift—for that is the soul purpose of why He came. “He came that we might have life” (John 10:10). Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug
Photo: Nancy Bauer, OSB
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by oblate Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
