Day 35
Give for the Right Reasons
Reflection By: Anonymous

Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.But when you give.do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing . Matthew 6:1-3

What struck me about this reflection were the words "Disciples have a twofold mission in relation to giving; they should give generously, out of love; and they should be sensitive to the needs of others, not imposing requirements that cause them suffering in order to pursue their relationship with God."

How often do we give out of obligation? What would happen if we began giving out of love? Several years ago, my family and I were fortunate enough to attend Mass at the University of Notre Dame. During his homily, the priest spoke of a mission trip he and some students had taken. As you can imagine, the townspeople were economically disadvantaged. Most of the residents were farmers who had little or no money. They bartered for goods and services. The priest went on to tell the congregants about the Mass he presided over for the local people one Sunday. They all came on foot, many from quite a distance away. When it came time for the collection, the priest looked around a bit uncomfortably, only to see a long line of smiling people approaching the altar offering the fruits of their labor- fruits and vegetables. He knew that for many of these farmers, this was the only food they had, yet they lovingly and generously offered it.

Let's consider the second principle a disciple should adhere to: being sensitive to the needs of others with no strings attached. Have you ever been at the checkout in front of a parent who would clearly rather be shopping alone? You know what I mean; the frazzled mom or dad who is trying to reign in their overtired child and get home to cook dinner. Has it ever occurred to you how much they would appreciate your letting them go ahead of you in line? Perhaps you did let them go ahead. How did it make you feel?