If we deeply love others, we, like Jesus, will tell them to "go and sell what you have and give to the poor" (Mk 10:21). This is not imposing a burden or putting a guilt trip on them, but rather is giving them the opportunity to have treasure in heaven where neither rust corrodes nor moth consumes (Mt 6:19).
Jesus says: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides" (Mk 4:24). When we ask others to give, we increase what they receive and more besides. Elijah met a widow and her son who were about to die of starvation (1 Kgs 17:12). He could have given them a little food to delay their death, but instead he saved their lives by telling the widow to give her last bit of food to him. When she did that, her flour and oil were multiplied more than five-hundred fold to feed herself, her son, and Elijah for a year. Let's love and feed the physically and spiritually poor not only by giving to them but also by asking them to give to the Lord's work.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I overcome fear by faith so I can sow bountifully and reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6). |
| PROMISE: | "But to the penitent he provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope!" –Sir 17:19 |
| PRAISE: | Some in Presentation Ministries have volunteered years, even decades, of service in order that the gospel can be spread to the ends of the earth. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College