Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins — Psalm 79:(see 103:10)
Mass readings: Daniel 9:4-10 / Luke 6:36-38
I recall the first time I heard televangelists preaching the prosperity message. They used today’s passage from Luke, “Give and gifts will be given to you,” like bait dangling in front of fish. “Send me a big check and God will multiply it back to you; send me a bigger check and you’ll prosper even more!”
Undoubtedly, it’s good to give generously, but it’s also wise to examine my motives for giving. If I donate $1,000 to my favorite charity, hoping to get a surprise blessing of $2,000 shortly thereafter, greed might be steering me more than love. “Let your alms perspire in your hands, until you know to whom you are giving,” the early Church Fathers wrote in the Didache. Patiently seeking God’s will and praying lead to prudent almsgiving.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pause and pray before I write my next check to charity.