GOD IS GENEROSITY

DIDACHE

Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle 11   “Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8   I once attended a retreat with the theme “God Is Generosity.” Our speaker, John Keating, said that what he will share about our generous Father is nothing new. But what amazed me was discovering a deeper understanding of the extent of God’s generosity to me and His children. John shared that God created us and He called everything into being that He may be able to share His generosity with us and all of creation. Imagine that? God created me so that He can give me His all — out of His abounding love, glorious riches and tender mercy. Who else would do that for me? Who would create me in His image and likeness, make me a little less than a god and give me a soul? Who would provide for all I need even before I ask? Who would send His only beloved Son to die for me that I may be saved? Only God — a God whose generosity is immeasurable and beyond human understanding. I know God can never be outdone in His generosity and I believe He doesn’t expect me to. But what I do know is that God wants me to accept what He gives so that I can in turn give as much to others. Then in my emptiness, God will once again fill me up with all the good I need.Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)   REFLECTION: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2Corinthians 9:11)   Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve You as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost. (Prayer for Generosity by St. Ignatius de Loyola)