With all apologies to Forrest Gump, St. Paul’s message in our first reading might well carry the moniker, “stingy is as stingy does.” In these verses, Paul speaks about the importance of generosity and the blessings that flow from a heart that is open to giving. It starts with a heart that is open to the Word of God and will allow it to guide us in our own lives.
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” This analogy uses a material example of the world but it speaks about the disposition of our hearts. Just as a farmer who sows generously expects a bountiful harvest, so too are we called to sow generously in our lives, trusting that God will bless us abundantly.
The act of giving is not limited to material possessions, although giving of alms is spiritually powerful – but even that begins with the disposition of the heart. We are also called to be generous with our time, talents, and love as well. When we sow these gifts bountifully, without holding back, we create a ripple effect of blessings in our lives and the lives of others. We become agents of God’s love and mercy in the world.
And it matters on how you give. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is not meant to be a burden or an obligation. We have to remember it is all gift. You received it without cost and are to give it without cost. On our best days it is an expression of joy and gratitude for the blessings we have received from God. When we give cheerfully and willingly, we more fully participate in the divine nature of love and generosity.
Giving with the right disposition opens our cooperation so that God is able to bless us abundantly so that we may “have all sufficiency in all things at all times.” While winning the lottery would be nice, we are called to depend on the “sure thing”, that God will provide for our needs and bless us with an abundance of grace. When we give generously, we open ourselves to receiving the overflowing blessings from the fountain fullness of God’s providence.
The proper disposition of a generous heart is to give thanks and to glorify God. Our generosity becomes a witness to the world of God’s goodness and love. Ad majorem Dei gloriam.
Image credit: Disney, “A Christmas Carol” photo credit