Every once in a while, I notice some people being quite tight or stingy with their time, finances and wealth. Some of such people would demand many things from the church, but when they are asked to help or contribute, they would give a thousand and one excuses. It is quite interesting to see some of them putting in only a ringgit (Malaysian currency) or two into the collection (some of us padres can see pretty well from the sanctuary you know), and yet some of these folks would ask for this or for that. I recall one parish where some folks had plenty of suggestions on how to improve the church, including installing air-conditioning, so that the faithful would not be so affected by the heat. When asked whether they would be willing to contribute or donate towards the purchase, maintenance and electricity bill for such air-conditioning, these folks immediately backed away and tried to pretend that such conversation never took place. Indeed, it seems easy to ask for so many things, but how many are willing to do their part and be generous, for the good of all?
In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works."
Certainly, we are not asking people to give beyond their means, though if they choose to do so, it should be done because they want to and not because they feel obliged to or forced to. It is no point giving with a sour face or monkey face, but let us be generous as much as we can, since God has been so generous to us in so many different ways.
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