Generosity

Consider generosity. St. Paul’s teaching on the subject, “whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully,” is echoed in Jonas Salk’s comments when he received the Congressional Medal for Distinguished Civilian Achievement: “The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.” There is a sense of fulfillment from generosity, both for the individual and the community. The individual who gives of him/ herself often finds the ability to give more because, once the natural obstacles to giving have been overcome, it is easier to find a path to generosity.

It is good to keep in mind these words penned by the Apostle to the Gentiles: “What do you have that you have not received? And if you have received it, why do you boast as if you have not received it?” (2 Cor. 4:7). We have no reason to be proud. Everything we have is the result of the abundance of God’s grace. Out of His provident care God gives us not only enough for ourselves but also enough for us to supply the needs of others. Blessed be God for the super-abundant gift of His grace, whereby He enables and inclines each of us to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be His glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of His love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are super-abundantly given to us.

The heart touched by the Spirit of God, acting like the needle touched with the loadstone, turns direct and speedily to God. When we give of self, of our time, of our treasure or talents – we acknowledge the gifts we have received. We are being grateful to God, who has been gracious and loving and giving to us, by not hoarding but by sharing our good fortune with others. Blessings are laid up for the faithful and their children and for their children's children. True riches are bestowed on them, with as much of this world's possessions as is profitable for them. In the darkest hours of affliction and trial, the light of hope and peace will spring up within them, and seasonable relief shall turn mourning into joy. From their Lord's example they learn to be kind and full of compassion, as well as just in all their dealings; they use discretion that they may be liberal in that manner which appears most likely to do good.

You might look at it this way. Every time we perform a random act of kindness, we allow God to manifest His loving kindness through us. We become His hands and feet. God uses the gifts and talents He has given us for the glory of His name and for the building up of His Kingdom. St. Ignatius of Loyola once wrote “O my God! Teach me to be generous; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to seek for any reward save that of doing your blessed will."


--Father Jerome Machar OSCO