June 17, 2009

Wednesday June 17, 2009 of the 11th WEEK OF Ordinary Time
Scripture Readings: 2Corinthians 9: 6-11 Psalm 112; 1-4, 9 Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Response: “Blessed the man who fears the Lord”

There are times when we discount God’s ability. We are reticent about giving to our Church or to worthwhile charities because we may fall short of our own needs. “Be assured”, says Paul, “with your own largesse God will outdo you every time.” So when the basket is passed or a petition arrives by mail, especially of those charities you know well provide for the poor and needy, don’t be niggardly. Give ‘til you think, “it hurts”!
Then you’ll experience God’s generosity in ways you hadn’t even thought of.

The blessings received from God always will exceed our finest expectations. We need not be afraid of the recompense we’ll receive at His hands. He knows our need and will give us the talents and the will to attain them.

In the Gospel message, however, He tells us not to blatantly broadcast our generosity! For the praise elicited will be the payment you’d expect from Him. He gives other examples of how NOT to engender His gifts. “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand has given”, implies a secretiveness which He endears.
It isn’t necessary for us to gloat about our holiness. For every time we brag we diminish the effect of our fasting or prayerfulness. God knows everything about us and has logged in His memory each act of kindness. He also will take note of our haughtiness if our gestures are insincere.