Really isn't the good life more about giving than receiving? This is what underlies both readings for Tuesday. The apostles want some recognition. They want the best for themselves. Does that strike a chord in your heart? In the Sirach reading, God makes clear that the "usual" offerings are not what he wants. He is asking for "oblation." What he is asking for is much more than obedience to laws, tithes and other expected sacrifices.

In the Eucharist we make an oblation of bread and wine as our offering, our gift to God. What happens in return? An oblation far greater than what we might consider: we are given the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

We might ask ourselves this question: do we ever consider how much of ourselves we can give to God just as Ignatius who offered his life as a knight for his father's army? He wanted to be completely dedicated to the service of God. AMDG: Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam --- for the greater glory of God. When you put your head on your pillow in the evening, I hope you can close your eyes and say, Father, all I have done today is for your greater honor and glory! What a gift, what an oblation to God!