That sounds like something Elisha the prophet would have said to the woman we meet in today’s first reading. She and her husband extended to Elisha an open invitation to come and stay with them whenever he was in town. They even went so far as to offer him a furnished room free of charge whenever he needed a place to stay.
Generous giving without expecting a reward seemed to be this family’s motto. And yet, even if they didn’t expect it, this elderly couple did receive a reward. Grateful for their hospitality, Elisha prayed, and God gave them a child.
Now, Scripture is clear that we are saved by Jesus alone, not by our actions. But it’s also clear that God rejoices when we give our time, our treasure, and our talents in service to his people. Our acts of generosity move his heart, and he responds by pouring out his grace.
Does this mean that we should try to be generous so that God will reward us? Not exactly. Our generosity is a response, a reflection of the good he has done for us. We give generously so that we can show the world what God’s generosity looks likes. We go out of our way for people because we want to bring his love to them. This is why Pope Francis keeps urging us to give, to reach out, and to show God’s love.
So sit down today, and try to come up with some ways you can give more to the poor, serve more in your parish or community, or be a more loving witness to the people around you. Know that the Lord rejoices in whatever you do for him.
In what ways do the Scriptures from Luke 1:37 and 18:27 apply to the first reading?
What are the circumstances in your life that seem impossible to you? With the words from Luke 1:37 and 18:27 in mind, take some time now to pray in faith for these circumstances.
The psalmist goes on to says that our response to this should be one of singing, joyful shouting, and rejoicing. Why should this be our response?
How would you describe your response to the Lord’s goodness, faithfulness, and kindness toward you?
How would you describe the graces of Baptism to someone who asked you?
Paul understood that Jesus did not come just to forgive our sins. He came to die on the cross for our sins and put to death the very principle in us that keeps us sinning. How have you experienced the power of Baptism and the power of the cross to overcome the power of sin?
In the Gospel, reading Jesus tells his apostles that “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus goes on to say that “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
What is your understanding of the opening words of Jesus to his apostles in the Gospel reading? What message was he trying to convey with these words? How do these words apply to you?
In what ways are the other words of Jesus in the Gospel reading related to the first and second readings?
Why does Godly generosity mean “Generous giving without expecting a reward”?