A Cheerful Giver

"Honor the Lord with generosity,
do not stint the first fruits you bring.
Add a smiling face to all your gifts,
and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
Give to the most high as he has given to you,
as generously as your means can afford;
for the Lord is a good rewarder,
he will reward you seven times over."
Ecclesiasticus 35:7 -10 (this is also sometimes called the book of Sirach)

This first reading today reminds us yet again of the importance of generosity. All that we have and all that we are come from the Lord. Some people protest against charity, saying "I have earned it. Why should I give it away? It is mine to spend how I so choose." Yes, you have earned it, but only because God gave you life and intelligence and the physical ability needed to earn the money. Everything we have is a gift from God. We are merely stewards of his gifts and as such need to then share with others.

Being generous is one thing. Being a "cheerful giver" can be an even greater challenge. It is not always easy to turn over money to the Church or to a favorite charity, especially when money is tight. I have always found the last part of this Bible verse to be true, however. God does reward generosity and other people in turn have been very generous with me.