Tuesday of the 11th week in the ordinary time of the year A
Theme: Selfless giving
In the 1st reading of today from the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes about the selfless giving of the church in Macedonia. The people did not give because they have in excess, they shared out of the little they had. They willingly gave themselves, and whatever they could afford for the growth of God’s work. St. Paul was pointing out the fact that the church in Macedonia was not giving because they were comfortable, rather they were giving because of their love for God and their desire to support Gods work.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, St. Paul used these words to also encourage the Corinthian church to emulate what others are already doing well. In the same way we are also encouraged today to give ourselves and whatever we can offer to promote the work of God. We are all encouraged to share the little we have with one another, just like the church in Macedonia did and are celebrated today by St. Paul. You don’t have to wait until you have excess before you can contribute towards the growth and development of the work of God. Let us take seriously the admonition of St. Paul in todays 1st reading and contribute towards the growth of the kingdom of God here on earth.
In the gospel reading of today from St. Mathew, Jesus admonishes us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Jesus is presenting to us one of the attributes that should be found in the lives of those who believe in him. This stems from the fact that ordinarily it is not easy for one to forgive a known enemy and to pray for someone you are certain is doing everything to bring you down. Our ability to practice the teaching of Jesus in today’s gospel reading will make a lot of impact in our life and in the lives of all those who encounter us in one way or the other. Humanly speaking it seems to be a very difficult task but let us trust in the mercy and grace of God to strengthen us whenever the need arises. As we listen to the voice of God in today’s gospel reading and make effort to put it into practice in our daily life, God will grant us the grace to make it happen in our life.
May almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.