Almsgiving and All-Giving : A Catholic Reflection

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for August 10, 2023

ALMSGIVING AND ALL-GIVING

"I solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit." –John 12:24

There is "giving," of which Jesus Himself said: "There is more happiness in giving than receiving" (Acts 20:35). Then there is giving bountifully (2 Cor 9:6) and cheerfully, "for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). Next, there is "giving till it hurts," that is, sacrificially. Finally, there is "giving all," everything we have to live on (see Lk 21:4).

This last kind of giving is the giving:

done by Jesus on the cross and by the martyrs,
called for by the first commandment, that is, loving God with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, and all our strength (Lk 10:27),
by which we receive God's kingdom (Mt 13:44-46),
in which we by faith possess everlasting life (see Mt 19:16, 21),
which is multipliable (see e.g. Mt 14:17ff), and
which is dying to self and bears much fruit (Jn 12:24).

For love of Jesus crucified, give all.

PRAYER:	Father, may I not diminish the meaning of my life by giving less than "all."
PROMISE:	"God can multiply His favors among you so that you may always have enough of everything." –2 Cor 9:8
PRAISE:	Before he was martyred, St. Lawrence said: "I rejoice greatly because I have been considered worthy to be a sacrificial victim for Christ."

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Acknowledgement

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

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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for August 10, 2023