Sunday 8th November 2015- 32nd Sunday of the year

Reflection: Mark 12: 38-44

TRUE GENEROSITY

If we will enjoy the best from God, we must necessarily go beyond our selfish inclinations. Our natural inclination tells us to acquire, keep and consume, thinking that the more we have, the better secure we are and the happier we will be. However, experience has shown that true joy and satisfaction of heart does not consist in material acquisition or abundance of riches. Though many of us readily give reasons for our reluctance and sometimes failure to give, the stories of the poor widows in today’s first and gospel readings hold great lessons for us.

From the gospel reading, we see that true generosity is a function of the disposition of one’s heart and does not really depend on how much one has. More often than not, we give out of convenience with little or no sacrifice accompanying it. This obviously is not the way of Christ as seen in today’s second reading (Hebrews 9:24-28); Christ fully sacrificed himself that you and I may be redeemed. Beloved in Christ, what readily prevents you from being generous? Are they your present needs or concerns for future provisions? The account of Prophet Elijah and the widow at Sidon clearly shows us that our faithful Lord truly justifies the faith of His obedient children. True generosity demands faith that is grounded in sincere love of God and fellow men. It rids us of greed and leads us to a renewed experience of God’s supernatural provisions.

Dearest in Christ, none of us should consider himself or herself too poor to give. We all have something to share. Let us be generous with our talents and time; let us be generous in forgiveness and understanding. By this, we will know the joy of meaningful living as we follow in the footsteps of our selfless Saviour.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, fill me with a loving and generous heart. Please help me to walk in the way of self-renunciation. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 449- What significance do the poor have for Christians?

Love for the poor must be in every age the distinguishing mark of Christians. The poor deserve not just a few alms; they have a claim to justice. For Christians there is a special obligation to share their goods. Our example in love for the poor is Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, press down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: 1 Kings 17: 10-16; Psalm 146: 6-10; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44