As we return to the Ordinary Time of the Church’s year, we are reminded by the Book of Sirach (35, 1-12): “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.”
As most of you know, our parish is currently engaged in a Capital Campaign with the goal of building our long-hoped-for Community Center. A generous donor recently offered a $100,000 “matching gift,” with the promise to match (dollar for dollar) every gift given during the month of May. Incredibly, we met that goal in a matter of days! Imagine, however if the gift had been a “match” to the tune of “sevenfold!” We would be ready to break ground tomorrow!
Worth pondering this week: God cannot be outdone when it comes to generosity. All of the kindness, patience, and forbearance which we show each day will be more than matched by the One who is all-good and all-loving. Why on earth would we be miserly about sharing the gifts which He has given us?
