Why did Jesus respond so harshly to the Canaanite woman who only wanted healing for her daughter in Matthew 15? It seems He discriminated against her race. Even called her a dog.

Could it be that He placed obstacles before her to challenge her to an even deeper faith?
Could it be that He was drawing her out and so lifting her up as an example of perseverance in faith and trust?

Many of us have had financial obstacles these past few years; cut in income or outright job loss, real estate values less than mortgage balances, lower balances in retirement accounts than five years ago, and more.

What has been our response? Like the Canaanite woman, we are to persevere in faith and trust and keep giving!
Give – not more than we have, but according to our means, from our first fruits. Keep giving and persevere. Because –

It’s Not Our Money!

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That poor widow in Luke 21 didn’t give much money. But it was everything she had. It is one of the best examples of trust and total dependence on God to provide for our very sustenance.

If the government cuts social service for our poor and needy neighbors, will we – the Church – make up the short fall?

We can if we will rely totally on God for our needs.

So give! And give gladly because, It’s Not Your Money.

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Isaiah implores us in chapter 40 verse 1 to give comfort to people. We all need comfort from God.

Many institutions strive to bring God’s comfort to people in need. But in this difficult economic environment, they need more money to be effective.

So – Give Money!

Give to the soup kitchen. Give to pro-life causes. Give to family and young children support organizations. Give to St. Anthony, St. Joseph and other Christian schools. Give to Catholic radio.

Give because – It’s Not Your Money

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The blind beggar in Luke 18: 35 depended on Jesus for help. There were no government agencies to provide for the poor and needy.

Who do we depend on? Is it right to expect the government to provide for our needs? In this difficult economy, what will we – the church – do if social services are cut from the federal budget?

Give to the Church so that we can provide for our brothers and sisters who are hungry, who are underclothed, and in need of shelter. And remember – It’s Not Your Money.

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How do you make difficult financial decisions when paradox prevails?

Optimists cite strong economic data; pessimists fret over geo-politics and general societal/moral decline.

We have improving employment and corporate profits on the one side and Greece/Eurozone, Iran and our own government’s inability to balance a budget on the other. All very real. All very confusing.

What we Christians can not be confused about is Who is in control. Who is responsible for all we have.

Trust in God, and give with confidence. And remember – It’s Not Your Money.

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