“Celebrating generosity and living the Christian Life joyfully!”

(Based on Rom 11:29-36 and Lk 14:12-14 – Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

“O Master, grant that I may never seek!
So much to be consoled, as to console,
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love with all my soul…”

This chorus from the Hymn of Peace, “Make me a channel” is known to most of us.

However, in our daily life, the chorus we sing is perhaps quite the opposite…

“O Master, help that I may always seek for more…

So much to be comforted, but not to comfort others…
To make sure that I am well understood, even if I misunderstand others…
To receive an abundance of love, even if others are ignored in the process!”

Very much, true isn’t it?

We love to give…
… but expect to be returned back in equal or more terms.

We love to donate…
… but expect to be acknowledged & given due consideration.

We love to offer…
… but expect to get back something more in return.

The Gospel of the Day is a call from Jesus to examine our attitude towards others.

Jesus’ says in Luke 14:12, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives and wealthy neighbours.

For surely they will invite you in return and you will be repaid”

Our Blessed Lord encourages us to practice authentic, selfless giving.

This calls for a shift in our perspective, enabling us to give without expecting something in return.

How can we practically cultivate this mindset in our interactions with others?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us that “charity should guide our response to requests for alms.”

This means that when we encounter opportunities to give…
… we should do so with love and compassion. >> How can we ensure our acts of charity are driven by a genuine desire to help, without any hidden expectations or agenda?

Jesus continues in Luke 14:13, urging us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

“When you give, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind…because they cannot repay you” (Lk 14:13)

St. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, emphasized that our possessions are meant to be shared with the poor.

In our practical lives, how can we extend a helping hand to those in need…
… realising that our resources can make a significant difference in their lives?

This practical application means extending a hand…
… to those who may never have the means to repay us.

By embracing this approach, we not only impact the lives of those we help…
… but also enrich our own lives with a profound sense of purpose and selflessness!

We are called to celebrate generosity…
…by taking these teachings to heart and embracing them as practical guides
… in our daily interactions with others.

It’s about finding joy in giving…
… extending our hands to those in need
… and doing so with a genuine heart full of love and compassion
… without any ulterior motives!

The onus is on us…
Can we truly pray and live…
That we may never seek..
… to be consoled, as to console,
… to be understood, as to understand
… to be loved, as to love with all my soul

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – HUMAN VIRTUES – The cardinal virtues

The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions.
It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. “The Lord is my strength and my song.”

“In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (CCC # 1808)