Monday, August 6, 2012

Manna

Manna

"Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected. In the wilderness God gave Israel the manna every day, and they had no need to worry about food and drink. Indeed, if they kept any of the manna over until the next day, it went bad. In the same way, the disciple must receive his portion from God every day. If he stores it up as a permanent possession, he spoils not only the gift, but himself as well, for he sets his heart on accumulated wealth, and makes it a barrier between himself and God. Where our treasure is, there is our trust, our security, our consolation and our God. Hoarding is idolatry."

Text Source:  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship 

Photo:  17th c. stained glass window in the cloister of St. Etienne-du-Mont, Paris, France.  The upper portion depicts the story of the people receiving manna in the desert, while the lower part includes Jesus, the Bread of Life, presenting the Host to the faithful.

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