To help others is not an easy task. It pushes us to go beyond our selfish selves. We are naturally inclined to meet our own needs and it is not natural to think about others’ needs. Giving itself is a grace of the Lord. It is Love who urges us to give and to serve. It is also love that counts whenever we serve, not really the amount of what we give. This is why Jesus said in the Gospel today “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." Even a cup of water given to others out of charity is not forgotten by God. Yet, people have so many reasons and excuses why we cannot help. Some people think that they need to be rich in order to help but that’s not true. We must give from what we have which God already bestowed on us.
The question is are we willing to give a portion of what we have for the benefit of others? This is sacrifice, and sacrifice made out of love and genuine concern for others is what pleases God because He loves us first. He sacrificed for us first, so we must also do for others. There’s also a similar detachment and letting go accompanied by serving which requires us to leave our homes and families. Whether in parish, religious communities or priesthood, the choice remains to leave the family or decrease time with them in order to give some if not most to God and to His people. Again, it’s not an easy task, but God promises a reward in Heaven that is great. The ironic thing here is, the more we give and the more we serve God, the more we gain. The world thinks the opposite but if we look to God and His promises as our sole reward, surely we will not lack anything in this life and in the next. We shall have everything – spiritual and material graces in abundance reserved for those who choose to sacrifice in order to serve and love God no matter how small in their sight. Nothing is little in God’s eyes if things are done with love.
Amen. +
Marga de Jesus | OLA Social Communications
