Dear Parishioners,
Let me share with you this true story. John D. Rockefeller was not born rich but he had ambition to become a millionaire. So he drove himself like a slave, and made his first million at the age of 33. And at the age of 43, he had the biggest business in the world and was acclaimed as the world's greatest millionaire. By the time he was 53, he was stricken with 'alopecia' and in the course of time he looked like a mummy. His friends left him. He was a lonely man and couldn't even eat food or sleep or enjoy anything in the world. Doctors gave him up. His health and happiness were gone.
Lying in a nursing home, knowing that he had a very few days to live, he began to think about his money: "I have more money than anyone in the world! But what is the use? I can't take a penny with me." He realized the words of Jesus, and went through a great conversion. He put all his money in a foundation, a funding agency, and started giving it away liberally wherever there was need. Then something miraculous happened in his life. Dramatically he became healthy, his appetite revived, his digestion improved, his sleep became normal and he lived to be 98 years old. The man who was given only a few days to live at 53, lived on till 98. This reminds me the words of Jesus in Mk 10: 29-30, "Whoever gives for the sake of the kingdom of God, will receive much more in the present age and in the age to come eternal life." In giving, we all receive.
The story of the widow's generosity in the Gospel typified what Jesus would do Himself - gave everything as an offering to God. When Jesus had finished giving, there was nothing left for him to give - even the last drop of blood, He shed. He gives His all to each and everyone of us personally. Jesus hoped that his own disciples would take their cue from the example of the poor widow, not from the scribes hungry for status and honor.
He hopes that we, His followers, will be equally generous with our own resources. We are called to give not just from our abundance but from our substance. Everyday demands are made on us. We are called to be generous with our love, our forgiveness, our patience, and our resources. And the Good News is that when we do that out of love, Jesus will be our constant support. No matter who the prosecuting counsel turns out to be when our case comes up, Jesus will be leading for the defense. God counts not the greatness of our works, but the selflessness of love, the purity of intentions.
"You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
There are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
Through the hands of such people, God speaks.
And from behind their eyes, God smiles upon the earth." [Kahlil Gibran]
God never abandons anyone who trusts Him. For the measure we give will be the measure we get back. May every one of us in the parish, experience God's Smile in our selfless generosity expressed in the needs of the people.
God bless us all!
Father Lawrence
