Presence

I become still in this moment of Sacred Space, praying here and now. I breathe deeply and invite the Holy Spirit to be with me.

Scripture Reading

Romans 13:7-8 NRSVue

Pay to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Reflection

We live in a competitive world. And in our attempt to find the best price, we often lose sight of what’s fair. We barter with people’s livelihoods. We pay less than a fair wage. We brag about the great deal we got, not caring or not thinking about the real cost of those savings. We try to avoid paying taxes. We play loose with business expenses. We welch on our bets, ‘forget’ to repay our loans, and short-change when we can – be it in terms of money, appreciation, or respect. Enough! If I have done any of this in the past, I am sorry. But from today, I will pay to all what is due to them and be grateful for and appreciative of the service they offer in return.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, enlighten me by your Spirit to see any ways in which I have short-changed others or taken advantage of anyone, or not given what was due to somebody. May I be honest and fair in all my dealings, and live in a spirit of generosity and trust that there is enough for everyone when I give freely and lovingly, according to my conscience.  Amen.