Wednesday of the 11^th week in ordinary time

2 Cor. 9: 6-11      Mathew 6: 1-6.16-18

Theme: Alms giving

Today in the 1st reading, St. Paul encourages us to give generously without counting the cost, because God loves a cheerful giver. We are encouraged to sow generously, because he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. St. Paul is simply saying that we should imbibe generosity as a way of life. We do not have to be very wealthy before we can give to others, we can decide to share the little we have with someone else who is in need. Remember, we cannot outdo God in generosity; givers never lack. Generosity attracts the blessings of God. Share the little you have and be blessed.

Jesus has no issues with our generosity. What is important is the way carry out our generosity. God loves a cheerful giver, and he encourages us to give sincerely. You don’t have to give what you cannot afford and get into debt, because the people around you are all giving. Generosity is a wonderful practice, and what matters most is the sincerity of the heart of the giver, not the size of what was given. Do you remember the story of the widow’s mite? Dearly beloved in Christ, do not give because you want to ‘save your face’ and at the end you begin to regret. Always give what you can afford happily, and God will continue to bless you and the works of your hand.

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus emphasized the need for us to be secretive when we give alms. It should not be advertised like is commonly seen around us today. People are more comfortable when it is in public space, and they are celebrated by all those who are present there or privy of the situation. Jesus admonishes us to guide against such type of alms giving. However, it will not stop us from getting the reward that is attached to our generosity. But Jesus encourages us to keep our alms giving secret, so that the God who sees what we do in secret will reward us accordingly. Generally, our practice of piety should be treated with some level of secrecy, taking into consideration the fact that we are not advertising our good act. The admonition of Jesus in the gospel reading of today should be emulated by all of us as children of God, who practice one form of piety or the other.

May the Lord grant us a generous heart, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.