Generosity in a Pizza Box
Glenn Johnson of Lewiston, NY, USA
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:19-21
I emerged from the Auditorium after a day of training filled with both spiritual and real food. I was excited about the call to incarnational ministries, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I prayed that God would put people in my path to whom I could bring ministry. As I stepped to the corner, I heard a young man approach me and say, “Hey, mister.” I instantly knew where the conversation was headed. I learned about his troubles: no job, no transportation, no family support, and then he said, “I’m real hungry.”
“Well, let’s go get something to eat,” I said, anticipating his request. I invited him to Square Pizza and ordered a large pizza so he could take leftovers. I asked him if he had ever been to our Open Arms Congregation nearby.
“Yes,” he replied. “It was nice; they were nice people.” I explained that I was only in town for the weekend and encouraged him to visit Open Arms again. I told him they had a good outreach ministry to people who were in need. Our pizza arrived. He asked to offer the prayer. It was not a perfunctory prayer. It was a long prayer; and he was not praying for his needs but for me, for my ministry, for my journey. I was stunned. I can’t say that I changed his life or helped him turn from those conditions that brought his life to the edge, but I’m pretty sure I made his day better and he made mine even better, too.
God of generous peace, fill us with the desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Bring into our path people who seek the Peace of Jesus Christ that together we might be a blessing to each other. Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“The glory of God is the human person fully alive” (St. Irenaeus).
Spiritual Practice
Fully Alive
Enter a time of prayer and hold St. Irenaeus’ quote in your heart. How do your mind, body, heart, and soul work together for your aliveness in God each day? What does it mean in your life and ministry that God desires for each of us to be fully alive?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
