Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NABRE)
Saint Paul--after acknowledging the eagerness of the believers at Corinth to be generous toward their struggling brothers in Jerusalem--describes the rewards of cheerful giving!
Paul tells us with impressive confidence (to a degree only likely from someone who's experienced this), that when we are generous in providing financial assistance to those doing God's work, we will receive generously from God in return. He reminds us that God provides all we need, and we are to use our abundance for good work.
Today's passage concludes with a quote from Psalm 112 which describes someone who is gracious in lending. Such a person, the Psalm tells us in lavish terms, shall never be shaken, shall be remembered forever, shall not fear an ill report, shall have a steadfast heart, shall trust the Lord, shall have a tranquil heart without fear, shall have righteousness which endures forever, and shall be exalted in honor.
Let's consider today how eager we are to share our abundance with others. The rewards are ours and will, no doubt, exceed our wildest expectations!
Today, I will give cheerfully of the abundance allotted to me for good works.
Saint Joseph Cafasso, patron of prisoners, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment