Daily Retreat 06/20/07
2007 Jun 20 Wed
2 Cor 9:6-11/Ps 111(112):1bc-2. 3-4. 9/Mt 6:1-6. 16-18
From today's readings: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... Blessed the man who fears the Lord.... Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father...."
Cheerful Almsgiving
Since "God loves a cheerful giver," both the first reading and the gospel continue yesterday's theme of "giving until it feels good." Incidentally, the gospel text should sound at least vaguely familiar, since these are the same verses read on Ash Wednesday!
Why does true generosity make one feel good? As Jesus insists, Christian charity needs more motivation than just praise and gratitude - almsgiving becomes more Christian, in fact, to the degree that it deliberately sidesteps praise and gratitude.
This is because, as Paul hints, God Himself gives generously and anonymously, for "the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness." By giving generously and sharing wholeheartedly with others, we adopt the divine attitude, and since all good things come from God, how can we possibly begrudge making a return of gratitude to Him through generous tithing?
2 Cor 9:6-11/Ps 111(112):1bc-2. 3-4. 9/Mt 6:1-6. 16-18
From today's readings: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... Blessed the man who fears the Lord.... Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father...."
Cheerful Almsgiving
Since "God loves a cheerful giver," both the first reading and the gospel continue yesterday's theme of "giving until it feels good." Incidentally, the gospel text should sound at least vaguely familiar, since these are the same verses read on Ash Wednesday!
Why does true generosity make one feel good? As Jesus insists, Christian charity needs more motivation than just praise and gratitude - almsgiving becomes more Christian, in fact, to the degree that it deliberately sidesteps praise and gratitude.
This is because, as Paul hints, God Himself gives generously and anonymously, for "the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness." By giving generously and sharing wholeheartedly with others, we adopt the divine attitude, and since all good things come from God, how can we possibly begrudge making a return of gratitude to Him through generous tithing?
posted by FrPitstick | 6/18/2007
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