Readings for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-11
This is possibly part of a second letter, written after Titus was sent from the churches of Macedonia to initiate a collection for the Church in Jerusalem. Here St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they should be generous as the Heavenly Father is generous and have faith that he will supply their needs as a consequence of their own gifts.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
The theme started by Paul above is supported in this hymn of praise with “Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.” The psalmist also encourages the faithful to give generously to the poor.
Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
The Lord continues the sermon we have been hearing for the past two days. In this selection the Lord specifically addresses the pious acts of charity, prayer, and fasting. He tells us that when we do these things, do them for God to see not other people. We are to do what is right for God’s glory not our own, not so that others will place us in high esteem because of our piety or generosity.
Reflection:
For the past few days we have heard about St. Paul’s efforts to collect funds to send to the Church in Jerusalem which, according to accounts in Acts of the Apostles, was undergoing a famine. For the past few days, the psalmist has been praising acts of generosity in the name of God and telling us how the Lord rewards those who give to the poor.
Today, once more, the topic is raised, this time in all three of the scripture selections and we can no longer ignore the message being sent. Giving of our wealth to the Church is important. It is an area that is a tender spot with many. Money is frequently the source of family and marital tension. Giving to the Church or to other charitable concerns, except at tax time, often makes us uncomfortable.
The famous line was used today “God loves a cheerful giver.” It strikes to the heart of how we view our faith. How important is it for us to follow the Lord? Is it more important than buying a new driver so the golf game will improve? Is it more important than dinner out at a nice restaurant? Is it more important than buying stake rather than hamburger? Let’s face it. Many times we look at our budget and the line item that comes last is “Charitable Contributions”. While, hopefully, we are following the Lord’s command and not making contributions for others to see but privately, we are often like the rich in the story of the Widow’s Mite who gave from their excess rather than their need.
It is something we must all do, examine our priorities and understand that it is not the amount that is important but the importance of what we give is to us. It is a measure of our Love for God that we give to those in need, for His glory, not our own. While I’m sure my pastor would be proud of this post, it was not placed here to enrich the coffers of the Church but rather for our own salvation. The measure we use will be used on us as well.
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The picture used today is “St. John the alms-giver” by Titian, 1545=50
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-11
This is possibly part of a second letter, written after Titus was sent from the churches of Macedonia to initiate a collection for the Church in Jerusalem. Here St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they should be generous as the Heavenly Father is generous and have faith that he will supply their needs as a consequence of their own gifts.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
The theme started by Paul above is supported in this hymn of praise with “Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.” The psalmist also encourages the faithful to give generously to the poor.
Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
The Lord continues the sermon we have been hearing for the past two days. In this selection the Lord specifically addresses the pious acts of charity, prayer, and fasting. He tells us that when we do these things, do them for God to see not other people. We are to do what is right for God’s glory not our own, not so that others will place us in high esteem because of our piety or generosity.
Reflection:
For the past few days we have heard about St. Paul’s efforts to collect funds to send to the Church in Jerusalem which, according to accounts in Acts of the Apostles, was undergoing a famine. For the past few days, the psalmist has been praising acts of generosity in the name of God and telling us how the Lord rewards those who give to the poor.
Today, once more, the topic is raised, this time in all three of the scripture selections and we can no longer ignore the message being sent. Giving of our wealth to the Church is important. It is an area that is a tender spot with many. Money is frequently the source of family and marital tension. Giving to the Church or to other charitable concerns, except at tax time, often makes us uncomfortable.
The famous line was used today “God loves a cheerful giver.” It strikes to the heart of how we view our faith. How important is it for us to follow the Lord? Is it more important than buying a new driver so the golf game will improve? Is it more important than dinner out at a nice restaurant? Is it more important than buying stake rather than hamburger? Let’s face it. Many times we look at our budget and the line item that comes last is “Charitable Contributions”. While, hopefully, we are following the Lord’s command and not making contributions for others to see but privately, we are often like the rich in the story of the Widow’s Mite who gave from their excess rather than their need.
It is something we must all do, examine our priorities and understand that it is not the amount that is important but the importance of what we give is to us. It is a measure of our Love for God that we give to those in need, for His glory, not our own. While I’m sure my pastor would be proud of this post, it was not placed here to enrich the coffers of the Church but rather for our own salvation. The measure we use will be used on us as well.
Pax
[1] After Links Expire
[2] The picture used today is “St. John the alms-giver” by Titian, 1545=50
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