big givers
"They first gave themselves to God." —2 Corinthians 8:5
The churches of Macedonia were in "deep poverty" (2 Cor 8:2). Nonetheless, they:
- begged "insistently for the favor" of giving what little they had to help other poor Christians (2 Cor 8:4),
- gave "even beyond their means" (2 Cor 8:3),
- gave with "overflowing joy" (2 Cor 8:2),
- "first gave themselves to God" and to other Christians (2 Cor 8:5), and
- gave in imitation of Jesus, Who for our sakes "made Himself poor" (2 Cor 8:9).
Remember that "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (Jn 3:16). "You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, Who said, 'There is more happiness in giving than receiving' " (Acts 20:35). Jesus commanded us: "Give, and it shall be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you" (Lk 6:38). We Christians imitate the God of giving. Our lives are gifts to be given to the Lord and His people. Jesus is looking at us with love and may be telling us: "There is one thing more you must do. Go and sell what you have and give to the poor; you will then have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow Me" (Mk 10:21).
Therefore, let us give our lives to Jesus without reservation. Jesus gave His life for us and gave us everything good we have ever received. Give all to Jesus — right now.
Prayer: Father, I will live and give in imitation of You.
Promise: "My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are sons of your heavenly Father." —Mt 5:44-45
Praise: St. Romuald wanted to give his life for his Lord. He persevered in his faith, despite suffering illness, periods of spiritual dryness, and being misunderstood by others.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001