Readings:
Romans 11:29-36
Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37
Luke 14:12-14
We all tend to promote ourselves. We sometimes raise our shoulders in an air of pride over our accomplishments. We should never do this at the expense of others. Jesus goes to the heart of our “charity” by asking us to carry out a litmus test for pride. He says in the Gospel: “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbors, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again” (Luke 14:12-14).
Jesus is not saying that we should never invite people who are close to us, those we have struggled with, people who have supported us, and all those who mean something to us. He is asking us to avoid the tendency to glorify ourselves or seek advantage in what we consider charity. Vain glory is the opposite of charity. Pride is the opposite of humility. When we are vainglorious, we are being prideful. When we are humble, we look out for the good of others in charity.
Remember today:
Imitate God's unconditional charity and generosity when you give; never count the cost of what you give.
When you do good for others, do not trumpet it or tell anyone about it.
It is a privilege to serve others with your gifts.
Do not go about telling people that so and so would not be where they are without you. God would have used someone else if you were not disposed to assist.
When you decide to do charity, let it be between you and the beneficiary. If you decide to take to social media to show what you are doing, you have already received your reward.
We do well ultimately for God’s reward; it is His eyes and His blessings that count.
Remember that today, you might be up; Tomorrow, you may find yourself down. It is those you lifted when you were up that will lift you when you are down.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift is from You. I am grateful for all that you have blessed me with.
Help me to assist others, as best as I can, with my time, talent, and treasures.
Keep pride far from my heart and teach me love and humility which opens the doors to Your eternal reward. Amen.
Lord, keep me humble. Never let me become self-sufficient. I need you every moment of each day. May your blessings always be upon me. Amen.
Heavenly Father, bless everyone reading this with a double portion of your special blessing in Jesus' most wonderful name we pray, Amen. Share this with someone.
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