“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you.” In the early days after Vatican II the liturgy in English did not have many worthy hymns. We compensated by importing popular songs into the Mass. One memorable St. Joseph day we used a Bobby Darin song with the lyrics: “If I were a carpenter and you were a lady would you marry me anyway, would you have my baby.” Probaby not for the best. It was a great relief when the St. Louis Jesuits published a song book with lyrics biblically based entited “Neither Silver nor Gold.” They were giving what they had, a gift for music and the American Church was blessed. What a vivid illustration that, as St. Paul reminds us, gifts are given for the common good. If you have silver and gold, give that. If you have music, give that. If you have a listening ear, give that. If you have some time to spare, give that. In prayer today look at the gifts you have and decide where you can give them.
APRIL82026
By Church Staff
