givings or mis-givings?
"In the midst of severe trial their overflowing joy and deep poverty have produced an abundant generosity." —2 Corinthians 8:2
God gives. The Father and the Son constantly and eternally give Themselves to each Other, and Their Gift is the Holy Spirit. God constantly gives us His life with all its love and power. This is called grace. God gave His very self when He gave His Son to die on the cross for us. Jesus, God Himself, even continues to give His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. The Father through the Son gives us the Holy Spirit, Who gives us special graces called charisms. God gives constantly, eternally, and perfectly to all, even and especially to His enemies (see Mt 5:44-45).
We are called to give as God gives. By God's grace, we must first give ourselves "to God and then to" all (2 Cor 8:5). "Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided; not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). In imitation of God, we are graced to be big givers by giving our whole lives to God in accepting and living fully our vocations to the lay single life, the priesthood, religious life, or married life. We are called to give up so much in sacrifice so that we can have much more time, energy, and money to give in generosity.
Give in a Trinitarian, crucified, eucharistic, enthusiastic, and divine way.
Prayer: Father, I will give without counting the cost.
Promise: "You have heard the commandment, 'You shall love your countryman but hate your enemy.' My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors." —Mt 5:43-44
Praise: David gave up coming late to Mass and leaving early, so he could spend more quality time with his Lord.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, order, view or download our leaflet or order, listen to or download our CD 43-3 or DVD 43 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.