Rachel Swenarton

Today’s Gospel says that “without cost you have received; without cost you are to give (Mt. 10:8).” I initially wrestled with this reading because my mind went to the tangible, and I know that the stuff I have been given has been a cost to many. But then I remembered that if anything is Free it is the compassion and effort that resides in God and, as such, in me and most every living thing. And once again I am reminded of Brandi Carlile’s words “forget about the take, forget about the give”, to stop keeping score of compassion, and let it bleed from me because it will never come at any cost.

Rachel teaches environmental science in Philadelphia and is grateful for the role Saint Raph’s has played in the formation of those she loves.