“THE JAR OF MEAL WAS NOT SPENT, NEITHER DID THE PITCHER OF OIL FAIL” (1Kings 17:16)

⏰Tuesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (12 June 2018)

📖1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-3, 4-5, 7a and 8 (R.v.7b); Matt 5:13-16

My dear, have you ever bothered to think well about the details of that story about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath? For a moment, forget about the miracle of abundance and think of what engineered it!

By giving out that last meal to Elijah, this widow gave out her life to save Elijah’s. Imagine that she had refused giving to Elijah based on the very valid reason that she does not have more to accommodate Elijah’s mouth. Do you think she would have gained much to give? I doubt that really.

Charity is a virtue we all need to imbibe. Many of us are really sitting on our blessing and progress because we have refused to give ourselves for others. We often rationalize that what we have would not be enough for us talk more of sharing with others. Some may even consider themselves too poor to give. Mother Theresa of Calcutta often said that no one is too poor that he has nothing to give and we must continue to give until it hurts.

Unless a sack is emptied, it cannot be filled. So if you really want to gain, you must be ready to give. You can give your money, time, encouraging words, valuable advice, etc.

Just look inwards and discover what gift God has given to you. It is through that gift that you can influence the life of others, thus being valuable salt to the earth and radiating light to the world (see Matt 5:13-16).

Before the end of today, try and practice practical charity:
💜Visit someone who least expected it;
💜Give something valuable to someone who do not merit help from you;
💜Refuse to be angry at people even when they hurt you;
💜Pray sincerely for the progress of that person who is obviously working for your downfall.

In that way, you become another Christ and like the widow of Zarephath, you will reap hundred fold blessing and happiness in the end.

May God grant us the grace to think less of ourselves so that in being charitable to others, we may be open to receive God’s manifold blessings for us. Amen.

Have a blessed and charitable day under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.