Abundance at Present Time

 We are called to follow Him, 

To sacrifice, though it may seem grim, 

To share our comforts, lend a hand, 

To help the needy in this land.

Our giving reflects the grace received, 

In God’s love, we have believed, 

As He is generous, so must we be, 

To share our blessings, to set others free.

Those with plenty, help those in need, 

Ensuring all have enough to feed, 

Our resources, not just for our own, 

But to be shared, love’s seeds are sown.

Grow in spirit, gifts, and grace, 

In generosity, find your place, 

Our faith, a beacon, shining bright, 

In giving, we reflect His light.

Let us be mindful, hearts open wide, 

To share our resources, side by side, 

In every act of love we show, 

God’s grace and mercy overflow.

REFLECTION:

Your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. (2 Corinthians 8:14)

Jesus’ willingness to give up His riches for our sake is the ultimate example of selfless love and generosity. This challenges us to follow Christ’s example by being willing to sacrifice our own comforts to help others. Our giving should be a reflection of the grace we have received from God. Just as God has been generous with us, we should be generous with others.

Those who have more should help those in need, ensuring that everyone has enough. Our resources are not just for our own benefit but are meant to be shared to help others.

We should grow not only in our spiritual gifts and virtues but also in our generosity. Our faith should be comprehensive, encompassing both our spiritual development and our willingness to give and help others. Let us be mindful of the needs of others and to share our resources generously.

A Prayer for Generosity and Selfless Love

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging the ultimate example of selfless love and generosity shown by Your Son, Jesus Christ. He gave up His heavenly riches for our sake, embracing humility and sacrifice to bring us salvation.

Lord, we are challenged by His example to follow in His footsteps. Help us to be willing to sacrifice our own comforts to help others, reflecting the grace we have received from You. Just as You have been generous with us, teach us to be generous with others.

May those who have more be moved to help those in need, ensuring that everyone has enough. Remind us that our resources are not just for our own benefit but are meant to be shared to uplift and support others.

Guide us to grow not only in our spiritual gifts and virtues but also in our generosity. Let our faith be comprehensive, encompassing both our spiritual development and our willingness to give and help others. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us and inspire us to share our resources generously.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Collection for Jerusalem

GENEROSITY IN GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Second Reading | 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15

7 Brothers and sisters: As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. 9 For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 13 Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.

Background:

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 is part of a larger section where the Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian church to contribute generously to a collection for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. Here’s some background to help understand these verses:

Context and Purpose

Historical Context: In the late 40s A.D., a famine struck Judea, leaving many Christians in Jerusalem in dire need1. Paul, along with other church leaders, organized a collection to support these believers. This effort is mentioned in several of Paul’s letters, including 1 Corinthians and Romans.

Purpose of the Letter: Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including defending his apostleship and encouraging the church to complete their promised contribution to the Jerusalem collection.

Verses Breakdown

Verse 7: “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you also excel in this act of grace.”

Lesson: Paul acknowledges the Corinthians’ strengths and encourages them to also excel in generosity. He emphasizes that giving is an important aspect of their faith and spiritual growth.

Verse 9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Lesson: Paul uses the example of Jesus Christ, who gave up His heavenly riches to become poor for humanity’s sake. This act of self-sacrifice is presented as the ultimate model of generosity and grace.

Verses 13-15: “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, ‘Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.’”

Lesson: Paul advocates for a balance in giving, where those with abundance help those in need, ensuring that everyone has enough. He references the principle of equality seen in the distribution of manna in the Old Testament.

Key Themes

Generosity and Grace: The passage emphasizes the importance of generosity as a reflection of God’s grace. It encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully.

Equality and Fairness: Paul stresses the need for fairness in the community, where resources are shared to ensure that no one is in need.

Christ’s Example: Jesus’ self-sacrifice is highlighted as the ultimate example of giving, inspiring believers to follow His lead.

These verses remind us of the importance of generosity, fairness, and following Christ’s example in our daily lives. 

Learning Lessons:

2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 offers several valuable lessons that can guide us in our spiritual and practical lives. Here are some key takeaways:

2 Corinthians 8:7 “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you also excel in this act of grace.”

Lesson: Holistic Growth. Paul encourages the Corinthians to grow not only in their spiritual gifts and virtues but also in their generosity. This teaches us that our faith should be comprehensive, encompassing both our spiritual development and our willingness to give and help others.

2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Lesson: Christ’s Example of Sacrifice. Jesus’ willingness to give up His riches for our sake is the ultimate example of selfless love and generosity. This verse challenges us to follow Christ’s example by being willing to sacrifice our own comforts to help others.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, ‘Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.’”

Lesson: Principle of Fairness and Equality. Paul emphasizes the importance of fairness in the community. Those who have more should help those in need, ensuring that everyone has enough. This principle encourages us to be mindful of the needs of others and to share our resources generously.

Key Themes and Applications

Generosity as a Reflection of Grace: Our giving should be a reflection of the grace we have received from God. Just as God has been generous with us, we should be generous with others.

Balanced Giving: Paul advocates for a balanced approach to giving, where the goal is not to burden anyone but to ensure that everyone’s needs are met. This teaches us to give thoughtfully and responsibly.

Community Support: The passage highlights the importance of supporting one another within the community. By sharing our resources, we can help create a more equitable and supportive environment.

These lessons encourage us to live out our faith through acts of generosity, fairness, and community support. They remind us that our resources are not just for our own benefit but are meant to be shared to help others.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Youth Till The Present

In the dawn of our youth, His lessons took root,

God's goodness and grace, in our hearts did shoot.

Righteous acts and deeds of salvation, we learned,

In His eternal love, our young hearts yearned.

A lifetime spent in faith, trust in Him built,

In the fortress of God, free of guilt.

From a tender age, a relationship strong,

With God at our side, where we belong.

In the twilight of years, His love sustains,

Through joy and sorrow, sunshine and rains.

Our trust in God, a beacon bright,

Guiding us through, the darkest night.

Seeking His guidance, His deliverance we implore,

Relying on Him, now and evermore.

In all circumstances, His presence we perceive,

In His infinite wisdom, we believe.

Acknowledging His glory, in every sunrise,

Expressing gratitude, under the starlit skies.

For sustaining us, through life's highs and lows,

In the garden of faith, the divine flower grows.

REFLECTION:

O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:17)

We have a duty to share God’s goodness, righteous acts, and deeds of salvation with others. 

God has taught us since our youth. Our faith and trust in God have been built over a lifetime, developing a strong relationship with God from a young age, to sustain us in our later years. Our trust is in God, seeking His guidance and deliverance, and relying on Him in all circumstances throughout our lives. 

Let us continually acknowledge God’s glory and express our gratitude for sustaining us in all of our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our duty to share Your goodness, Your righteous acts, and Your deeds of salvation with others. You have been our teacher since our youth, guiding us in Your ways and instilling in us a deep faith and trust in You.

We thank You for the strong relationship we have developed with You from a young age, a relationship that has sustained us and will continue to sustain us in our later years. Our trust is in You, Lord. We seek Your guidance and deliverance, relying on You in all circumstances throughout our lives.

We continually acknowledge Your glory, Lord. We express our deepest gratitude for Your sustaining grace, for being our rock and our fortress in all seasons of our lives. 

May we always remember to share Your love and goodness with others, and may our lives be a testament to Your enduring faithfulness.

In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

PRAYER IN TIME OF OLD AGE

Psalm 71:1-24

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22 (or 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8)

R: I will sing of your salvation. 

8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your glory day by day. 9 Cast me not off in my old age; as my strength fails, forsake me not. (R) 14 But I will always hope and praise you ever more and more. 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R) 22 So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre, for your faithfulness, O my God! I will sing your praises with the harp, O Holy One of Israel! (R) 

Background:

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an older believer, who in holy confidence of faith, strengthened by a long and remarkable experience, pleads against his enemies, and asks further blessings for himself. Here’s some background information:

Authorship: The authorship of Psalm 71 is not definitively known as there is no title and the text of the psalm does not specify this. Some scholars believe it was written by David during his latter years under the crisis of Absalom’s rebellion. Others regard it as an anonymous composition.

Themes: This psalm is a prayer of an older believer who has faced many trials and problems, but is able to put his focus on the Lord in the midst of these trials. The psalm shows us that God’s way to grow old is to develop a walk with Him.

References to Other Scriptures: Of interest in this psalm are the many references and allusions to other psalms and scriptures. It is reasonable to think the author of Psalm 71 made study and meditation upon God’s word a priority through his life, and the result is that he naturally used the phrases and vocabulary of the Scriptures to pray and praise.

Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22: These verses are part of the psalmist’s prayer. He speaks of the faith in God which has sustained him all his life, prays that God will not reject him, declares his witness to God’s salvation, asks for renewed health, and then he will renew his praises.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22 offers unique lessons for maintaining a life-long walk of faith. Here are some key takeaways:

Trust in God: The psalmist puts his trust in God and seeks His deliverance. This teaches us the importance of relying on God in all circumstances.

Praise Continually: The psalmist’s mouth is filled with God’s praise. This encourages us to continually acknowledge God’s glory and express our gratitude.

Hope and Perseverance: Despite his old age and the challenges he faces, the psalmist continues to hope and praise God. This shows us the importance of maintaining our faith and hope in God, regardless of our circumstances.

Proclaim God’s Righteousness: The psalmist commits to telling of God’s righteous acts and deeds of salvation. This reminds us of our duty to share God’s goodness and salvation with others.

Seek God’s Guidance: The psalmist acknowledges that God has taught him since his youth. This highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance throughout our lives.

Prepare for Old Age: The psalmist’s faith and trust in God have been built over a lifetime. This teaches us the importance of developing a strong relationship with God from a young age, to sustain us in our later years. (Conversation with Copilot)

Recognize the Time of God's Visitation

 "They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, 

and they will not leave one stone upon another within you 

because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

LUKE 19:44

These words carry a weight of urgency and spiritual insight. They beckon us to be attuned to moments of divine presence, to recognize when the sacred intersects with our lives.

In the quiet of our hearts, in the ordinary and extraordinary, there are visitations—times when grace touches us, when purpose aligns, when destiny unfolds. It is in these junctures that we glimpse eternity, and our souls stir with recognition.

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44)

May we open our eyes, our hearts, and our spirits to these holy encounters. For in recognizing the time of God’s visitation, we find purpose, transformation, and the whisper of eternity.

Pericope:

VI: The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem

THE LAMENT FOR JERUSALEM

Luke 19:41-44

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Bing

Rich in what matters to God

"Thus will it be for the one 

who stores up treasure for himself 

but is not rich in what matters to God." 

LUKE 12:21

This was the oath He swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship Him without fear, holy and righteous in His sight all the days our life. (Lk 1:73-75)

Jesus said, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions (Lk 12:15). You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?”  (Lk 12:20)

The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts (1 Sm 2:7). Who shows no partiality to princes nor regards the rich above the poor, for they all are the work of His hands (Job 34:19). But they, in their own kingdom, with Your great goodness which You gave them, with the broad and rich land which You set before them, did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds. (Neh 9:35)

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished (Prv 28:20). Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich (Prv 28:6). The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him (Prv 28:11).

He has come to His people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through His holy prophets He promised of old that He would save us from our enemies, from the hand of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant. (Lk 1:68-72)

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification. (Rom 4:20-25)

Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches" (Jer 9:23).

Wealth in the World

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Luke 12:15

“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ (Luke 12:16-19)

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’  (Luke 12:20)

Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12:21)


All the wealth in the world cannot be compared with the happiness of living together happily united. -- Blessed Margaret d'Youville


Published: 

September 13, 2017, 6:09 AM
October 21, 2013, 8:33 AM
September 25, 2011 - 6:38AM

Your Possession Are Safe

"When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, 

his possessions are safe."

LUKE 11:21

Lord Jesus, You alone are my just judge. Thank You for reminding me today, Lord, to be loyal to You — and only to You. By the guarding and protection of Your angels, our possessions are safe. 

Today, I humbly ask and pray that You keep us safe and protected at all times. Only You can completely shield us from any form of harm, sickness, or evil that may come our way. We are vulnerable to sin but Your saving grace will always bring us back to You. Please forgive me from all my sins most especially in times when I judge other people most especially those who serve you. Help me to be one with all your servants in witnessing and proclaiming your mighty works that made their lives truly full and complete. 

Each day, You work wonders over my life that gives utmost peace, joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Thank You so much for being everything to me. I can never move and act in a precise and correct manner if Your are not with me. 

With much love and thanksgiving I pray. Amen.

Produce at the Proper Times

They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death 

and lease his vineyard to other tenants 

who will give him the produce at the proper times.” 

MATTHEW 21:41

What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall; let it be trampled! Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! For justice, but hark, the outcry! (Is 5:4-7)

Jesus said “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?  Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” (Mt 21:42-43)

Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:22-26)

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through His holy prophets He promised of old that He would save us from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in His sight all the days of our life. (Lk 1:69-75)

Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what Your right hand has planted, the son of man whom You Yourself made strong. (Ps 80:15-16) Then we will no more withdraw from You; give us new life, and we will call upon Your name. O Lord, God of hosts, restore us; if Your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved. (Ps 80:19-20)