the school of giving
"Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever." —Psalm 112:9
St. Lawrence resembled God in his giving. God loves us so much that He gave His Son for our salvation (Jn 3:16). Lawrence loved the poor so much that he gave the church's treasures to them and even gave his life for them and for Jesus.
On this special feast day, the Lord may give us a special grace to grow in giving in several ways:
- Amount: How much are you giving to build God's kingdom on earth? After your tithe, what percent of your income do you give as alms?
- Areas: Are you giving not only your time, treasures, and talents but also your work, will, relationships, plans, pain, heart, etc. to the Lord? Break new ground by giving in an area where you're never consciously given before.
- Attitude: Are you a cheerful (2 Cor 9:7), willing, humble, thankful, and zealous giver in all the areas where you give?
- Sacrifice: It's one thing to give from your surplus but it's something else to give till it hurts (Lk 21:4). The Lord emphasizes sacrificial giving.
Today, grow in giving. Give and keep giving as never before. "Freely have you received, freely give" (Mt 10:8, our transl.).
Prayer: Father, may I major in giving and graduate with honors.
Promise: "I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit." —Jn 12:24
Praise: Lawrence died a martyr being grilled slowly over a hot fire. Just before he died, he prayed for the conversion of his city of Rome and that the message of Christ would spread throughout the world.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, The Bible on Money.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, January 29, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 5, 1996