“GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE LORD…HE WILL REPAY YOU SEVENFOLD” (Sirach 35:9-10)

⏰Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time 1 (28 Feb 2017)

????Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23 (R.v.23bc); Mark 10:28-31

“GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE LORD…HE WILL REPAY YOU SEVENFOLD” (Sirach 35:9-10)

Do you remember what we discussed yesterday concerning charity especially as it concerns that rich young man that came to Jesus to find out what he must do to gain eternal life? The rich young man has obviously been righteous, only that he lacked charity (cf. Mark 10:19-21).

On account of his righteousness, the disciples wondered whether they can gain anything from following Jesus (cf. Mark 10:28). But Jesus reassured them that none of their efforts would go unrewarded (cf. Mark 10:29-30).

So my dear, continue steadfastly in your effort to do the will of God, living in generosity and in righteousness. Do not mind those who tell you that your effort does not count for your salvation because Jesus had already won that for you. St. Augustine says that the God who created you without your knowledge will not save you without your cooperation.

However, you must not see your effort as a great contribution that MUST be rewarded by God. That is reward-centered morality and it is a faulty kind of morality.

From tomorrow, our liturgy in the Catholic Church would be taking a temporary break of about 96 days as we go into the seasons of Lent and Easter. Make the best of it by adding meaning to your life by turning to God in righteousness and to the life of others by extending a charitable hand towards them. Look around you and see what you can do. If we all can live charitably, in words and in deed, even our present precarious condition in Nigeria can be overcome.

May God grant us the grace of living generously with others and making our world a better place. May he save our country from the present hardship it has been led into by greed and selfishness. Amen.

Peace be well with you.