How Mite You Be Generous? | #1451

Pilgrim Priest

Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday (B) Jesus is impressed not with the size of the donation; he is impressed with a generous heart. A poor widow holds nothing back; she gives God her whole livelihood.

God has blessed me with gifts, perhaps less than I had hoped. The temptation is to hoard the little I have and use it for myself. God's invitation is to be generous with what we have and trust that he will give us more.

For many Americans, time is worth more than money. Don't be afraid to be generous with time for daily prayers and Sunday Mass. At Sunday Mass, we offer ourselves and all that we have to the Father, and receive his abundant blessings. If you are generous with God, you will have some left over. Give God the chance to earn your trust.

(10 Nov 2024)

Going Deeper: The word used for "livelihood" in the Greek is bios. Read and reflect on what it means (see BibleHub.com):

Usage: In the New Testament, "bios" primarily refers to the physical aspect of life, encompassing one's livelihood, possessions, and the duration of life. It is distinct from "ζωή" (zōē), which often refers to life in a more spiritual or eternal sense. "Bios" can denote the means by which life is sustained, such as wealth or resources, and can also refer to the conduct or manner of one's life.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "bios" was commonly used to describe the tangible aspects of life, including one's social status, wealth, and daily living. The concept of "bios" was often contrasted with the philosophical or spiritual life, which was considered of higher value in many philosophical traditions. In Jewish thought, life was a gift from God, and the way one lived ("bios") was a reflection of one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.

(bíos) is the root of the English term "biography," i.e. the record (account) of how we invested (or spent!) our physical lives.

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