Message: You can't take it with you but you can send it ahead.

Last weekend I began a series titled Stewards of Mercy. When we receive forgiveness, acceptance, mercy we want to share it. We saw the example of Zacchaeus. He experiences amazing mercy from Jesus and spontaneously says, "Half my possessions I give..." He becomes a Steward of Mercy.

You and I can be Stewards of Mercy. We will have an invitation right after this homily. To lead into it I make two points:

First, the most obvious: You can't take it with you. A funeral director once remarked to me, "I've never seen a hearse with U-Haul behind it." No matter how much or how little a person has, you can't take it with you.

However, and this is the second point: You can send it ahead. Today's readings indicate that. They speak about physical resurrection. We can send our possessions ahead by tithing and giving to the poor. You can't take it with you but you can send it ahead.

I now introduce a speaker who will explain how to do it. Do not be afraid. We just heard St. Paul say, "God is faithful" and that he directs our hearts to the love. With that prayer in your heart, I ask you now to give full attention to _________________________.

************