almsgiving and all-giving
“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.” —John 12:24
There is “giving,” of which Jesus Himself said: “There is more happiness in giving than receiving” (Acts 20:35). Then there is giving bountifully (2 Cor 9:6) and cheerfully, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Next, there is “giving till it hurts,” that is, sacrificially. Finally, there is “giving all,” everything we have to live on (see Lk 21:4).
This last kind of giving is the giving:
- done by Jesus on the cross and by the martyrs,
- called for by the first commandment, that is, loving God with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, and all our strength (Lk 10:27),
- by which we receive God’s kingdom (Mt 13:44-46),
- in which we by faith possess everlasting life (see Mt 19:16, 21),
- which is multipliable (see e.g. Mt 14:17ff), and
- which is dying to self and bears much fruit (Jn 12:24).
For love of Jesus crucified, give all.
Prayer: Father, may I not diminish the meaning of my life by giving less than “all.”
Promise: “God can multiply His favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything.” —2 Cor 9:8
Praise: Before he was martyred, St. Lawrence said: “I rejoice greatly because I have been considered worthy to be a sacrificial victim for Christ.”
Reference: (Widowhood has its challenges. You can receive strength from the consolation of the Holy Spirit during our special retreat for the widowed Sept. 15-17. Call 513-373-2397 or email retreats@presentationministries.com to register.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023
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.