Today's first reading from St. Paul contains one of the better known phrases from the great preacher and evangelizer's quill: " ... for God loves a cheerful giver."
What Paul has in mind for his readers is how important it is for us to create in our hearts, in our lives, a larger space for God's life and love. We can create that room by giving away a portion of our time, talent or treasure to others ... and doing so with a genuine sense of joy. Don't most people have a true happiness of heart when they give a gift to a loved one or a friend for a birthday or other special event? What is the source of that happiness that comes to the giver? It has been said that happiness is "an infallible sign of the presence of God."
God himself is the greatest of givers. Every grace he gives is truly his love for us to share. He chooses to love our world through the goodness of each of us.
Be a cheerful giver at home, in the office, in the shop or on the road ... at least once today and savor the moment. Take a few seconds to say to yourself, "Heh, self, I have just been an instrument in the hand of God for our world." Furthermore, recall that God has sent each of us to this earth with a purpose, with an intention. Your cheerful giving make real God's plan in your life.
What Paul has in mind for his readers is how important it is for us to create in our hearts, in our lives, a larger space for God's life and love. We can create that room by giving away a portion of our time, talent or treasure to others ... and doing so with a genuine sense of joy. Don't most people have a true happiness of heart when they give a gift to a loved one or a friend for a birthday or other special event? What is the source of that happiness that comes to the giver? It has been said that happiness is "an infallible sign of the presence of God."
God himself is the greatest of givers. Every grace he gives is truly his love for us to share. He chooses to love our world through the goodness of each of us.
Be a cheerful giver at home, in the office, in the shop or on the road ... at least once today and savor the moment. Take a few seconds to say to yourself, "Heh, self, I have just been an instrument in the hand of God for our world." Furthermore, recall that God has sent each of us to this earth with a purpose, with an intention. Your cheerful giving make real God's plan in your life.
