Give Generously

The WORD today (see http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030519.cfm) reminds me that I should give generously for God, and give with a happy heart. 

There is a saying that it is better to give than to receive. Some people believe in this. Although of course it is nice to receive gifts and other things from people, it is better to give. It is better to be on the giving end, because it usually means that you have enough so you can afford to give. It also means that you are not too attached to things and that you are willing to help others out. This is what God wants from us. 

God wants us to not just give, but generously give to and for Him. 

In the first reading, we see how much God appreciates us giving back to him and sharing our blessings with others. God has given us so much. We have more than enough. So he appreciates if we can share these blessings with others. We should give what we can. We should give our best to God - to God who has given us everything. And as we give him, we should give with a happy heart. With a cheerful heart. With a joyful heart. He also says that God will repay us sevenfold of what we offer him. In the gospel, we also see Jesus validating that people who gave up things and relationships for him will receive greater blessings than what they gave up. 

God is a generous God. He cannot be outgiven. 

Probably this is also one of the reasons why it is better to give than to receive. If you give to and for God, if you wholeheartedly offer to God, he will surely repay. He will surely give you back more than what you gave up...not for you to be rich, not for you to use as an investment for giving, but so you can continue to give to others. So you can continue to give back more. 

What are my blessings in life? What do I share with others? Do I share my blessings to others? In what way? Do I share the best of what I have, or just the excess? Do I give with a happy or with a heavy heart? How does God want me to give? 

May we always be thankful for God's blessings, and be generous enough to give back and share these with others. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I hold on to your blessings. Sorry for the times I am not willing to share my blessings to others. Sorry for the times I do not offer and give back to you. Give me a humble and grateful heart. Give me a generous heart. May I always he willing to generously share your blessings to others so I can spread your love here on earth. Amen. 

Blessed Day!

In Christ,

-g-

Daily Readings

March 5 2019

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 348

Reading 1 SIR 35:1-12

To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the LORD,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one's offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.

For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.

Responsorial Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 And 23

R. (23b)  To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Alleluia SEE MT 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MK 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
'We have given up everything and followed you."
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."