St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, “For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.”
Time for a quick review: Stop for a moment and think about all the blessings in your life. Write them down…
…What did you write? Family; Job; House; Health; Yes of course, what wonderful blessings. Did you also include God’s unconditional love for you? His mercy and forgiveness? And also, His real presence with us always and especially in the Eucharist? And the one that overwhelms me – His suffering and dying on the cross in payment for your sins so that by faith in Him, you can have eternal life with Him in Heaven – oh my goodness. I mean truly – how blessed are we, Amen?!
Our stewardship mindset reminds us that all of this is gift. Everything single thing that we have and all that we are are gifts to us from God. God’s generosity invites a response. When we admit and embrace this truth, we know in our hearts that we must make a return to God for all the gifts and benefits He gives to us. In all humility and profound gratitude, and as St. Paul reminded the Corinthians as he reminds us, as a matter of equality, according to what we have, we are to use and share our gifts to supply the needs of others.
Does your giving reflect how grateful you are for all of God’s blessings? Give according to what you have to help others.
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