Give without expecting any return

THIS is how we should give if we want to follow the

example of Christ. We have to give to others not only things but also

our own selves without expecting any recognition nor any reward.

             This was clearly taught by Christ when he said that when

we hold a banquet, we should not invite those who can invite us in

return, but rather those—“the poor, the crippled, the lame, the

blind”—who are unable to invite us in return. (cfr Lk 14,12-14)

             “Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to

repay you,” he said, “for you will be repaid at the resurrection of

the righteous.” (cfr Lk 14,12-14) Let’s always keep these words of

Christ that assure us of what we are going to receive in heaven if we

are generous with others here on earth.

             We have to make an effort, always asking, of course, for

the grace of God first of all, so that we can learn to assume this

attitude with respect to our self-giving. In the end, this will make

us to be like Christ who gave himself totally to us, including giving

his life for our sins.

  

            Let’s remember what he told his disciples: “Freely you

have received, freely you have to give.” (Mt 10,8) Gratuitousness

should characterize our self-giving to God and to others, just as

gratuitousness characterizes God’s love for us. Such gratuitousness

will gain us much more than what we give away.

  

            In this regard, we have to do some continuing battle

against our unavoidable tendency to be calculating in our self-giving.

Not only do we have to contend with our personal weaknesses in this

regard. We also have to contend with a tremendous cultural

environment, so prevalent these days, that not only is not conducive

to this attitude of Christian generosity but is also hostile to it.

  

            We constantly have to rectify our intentions when we have

to give to others—be it things, a service, or matter of attention and

affection. This is especially so when our giving is for God. Let’s

never forget that God cannot be outdone in generosity.

  

            Remember that episode of the couple Ananias and Sapphira

as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. (cfr 5,1-11) They sold a

piece of property, but instead of giving the whole proceeds to the

apostles, they gave only a part and kept the rest, lying to the Holy

Spirit in the process. For this, they met sudden death.

  

            We should see to it that our gestures of self-giving is

whole-hearted and is inspired by true love that can only come from the

love of God for us. We have to avoid playing games in this regard, for

God knows everything and would deal with us the way we deserve.

  

            We have to learn to be truly generous, neither counting

the cost nor expecting any return. This obviously is not easy to do,

given our wounded human condition. But if we always go to Christ to

get inspired by his example and to ask for his grace, we can do it.

The impossible becomes possible!

   

            Everyday, we have to find opportunities to practice and

grow in this virtue of generosity, always aware that Christ is always

with us and is showing us the way and how to behave and react to any

situation we find ourselves in.

  

            So when we find ourselves in some difficulties or are

hounded by temptations, let’s never delay in going immediately to him

to ask for help and guidance.