OUR GOD IS A LAVISH GIVER
Aiding the poor with a
compassionate spirit and rationale brings them encouragement and, at the same
time, it enriches our spiritual lives.
How well do we set an example of having an
apostolic spirit? Reflecting on today's Responsorial Psalm might help us think
more deeply about this question. "Blessed the man who is gracious and
lends to those in need... Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall
endure forever" (Ps 112:5a, 9). Sharing the joy we have in following God's
word is something we are called to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are
being sent on a mission to bring His hope and peace to all. Aiding the poor
with a compassionate spirit and rationale brings them encouragement and, at the
same time, it enriches our spiritual lives.
Simplicity of mind and humility of heart make
you and me "a just person." Mahatma Gandhi once summarized the Hindu
religion with words taken from one of its sacred books: "All is filled
with God. Renounce it and enjoy it." To make it clear and simple, we
acknowledge that all we have comes from God. We are simply caretakers of what
belongs to Him. Our response is to use it in love as we reflect on the first
reading today.
Above all, we are to hold our property and
possessions lightly, not grasping them as if they were our true and only
security. God knows that we, and all His people, need possessions, but there
should be a sense of detachment in our grasp of them. A loose hold is coupled
with a readiness to let go of them, to share them, and to use them well!