There’s a strong theme of rationing in today’s readings. The first reading from Genesis talks about how Joseph was in charge of dispensing rations of grain to . . . well, everyone, it sounds like. That was quite a famine to grip the world! The Gospel selection, from Matthew, has Jesus commissioning the Twelve disciples; this selection ends with Jesus instructing them, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” So, in a way, Jesus was “rationing” the time and efforts of the disciples to the Israelites, at first.
What is the purpose of rationing, in a broad sense? Well, it’s to make sure that resources are being spent in the most efficient way possible — usually to those most in need, or to where it would do the most good. Thus fire departments don’t spend their time dousing houses that aren’t ablaze; those dwellings don’t need it! Likewise, when tending to a famine or other disaster, there are usually areas that are hit more or less strongly by that calamity, which requires calculation and prioritization to make sure that you’re not giving resources to those who don’t need them. Similarly, many works of charity — including the Bible — prioritize taking care of widows and orphans, because they are among those most often in dire need.
So, even though Christ’s gift and message of redemption are open to the world, he clearly thought it was important that — at the beginning — the disciples prioritize tending to the needs of the “lost sheep” of the Israelites. Of course, Jesus’ wisdom paid off, given how wondrously the Good News ultimately spread throughout the world!
God’s love is infinite, and so is God’s willingness to give salvation and peace. However, that doesn’t mean our time as mortals is equally infinite!
In our own way, we need to “ration” our gifts when doing the works that Christ instructed us to do. It isn’t as vital to “spread the Word” to the able-bodied five-times-a-week churchgoer, compared to someone who’s amid a crisis situation in life or faith. Conversely, it may not be a great use of time to spend every waking moment trying to crack the shell of an avowed and vocal atheist, compared to spending some moments with the faithful elderly parishioner who might be lonely.
So, if we need to “ration” the spiritual care or help we give others, what are we to do? Should you only tend the needs of those where we’ll be most effective, like a faithful member of the parish going through a crisis? Should we only give aid to those in need, like prisoners or those who are starving? Should we provide just for where we know our efforts will be well-received, like the day-to-day faithful who are buoyed by our words?
I’m not sure I have any great answers. Depending on the circumstances, they’re all important, in different ways. We’re even supposed to try to reach out to those who’ve actively rejected the faith!
Rather, I’d encourage you to pray and reflect on what you’re doing to tend to the needs of others. Are you “playing it safe” and only staying among — and bolstering — a faithful clique? Are you ignoring those in crisis around you because you have an ongoing commitment to an in-need group? Do you spend too much time trying to break the shells of the hard cases in your life, leaving yourself open to frustration and resentment?
Our spiritual needs are a lot like grain; unlike a fire department, where most of us go our whole lives without a serious need for them, we all can use bolstering and outreach for our spirits, just like we all need grain or some other daily foodstuff. It’s okay if we “ration” our efforts in a way that adheres to the teachings of Christ and the Church and feels respectful to our consciences, but we should make sure that we are doing so deliberately, rather than just “going with the flow” of what’s convenient or most comfortable for us. If there’s a ministry you’ve never been part of, perhaps ask yourself why. If you’ve been a member of a church group for years and years, perhaps prayerfully consider if it’s time for a change. And if you’ve been “rationing” your gifts too strictly, perhaps consider opening your heart to new possibilities and opportunities to serve.
God put Joseph in a position of power because He knew that the young man would be able to do the most good in that position. The Twelve were commissioned and sent forth by Christ in a way that Jesus knew would do the most good for the world. Know that God has touched our own lives, and we should do what we can to discern we’re making the best use of our own gifts as we go forth into the world.
Today’s readings: Gn 41:55-57;42:5-7A,17-24A; Ps 33:2-3,10-11,18-19; Mt 10:1-7
