Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
By Beth DeCristofaro
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. … In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. (Sirach 35:4-5, 7-9)
Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age. (Mark 10:28-29)
Piety
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Study
Yesterday was Talk Day for the 132nd Women’s Team in the Diocese of Arlington. We will spend three days with candidates next month, and I (as my kids say) am psyched. The time, the energy, the spiritual dedication which team members offer as they prepare and then serve is a form of the sacrifice which is called for in Sirach. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
This team is full of joy and generosity even while juggling the demands of everyday life. And we are receiving back already. In talk previews, I hear offerings of self, experience hard earned and openness to examining our own Christian lives as we offer ourselves as models and fellow travelers to each other. Our team is definitely dependent on our Cursillo community and we are well aware that their sacrifices make our commitment possible. We have had wisdom shared, volunteers are lining up, and palanca and prayers dedicated to our service in Christ surround us.
Thank you, Lord! Thank you Cursillo!
Action
Take a minute and consider where you have received a hundredfold. Pray your gratitude today. Then, where do you hold back, where are you sparing of freewill gifts? Sit with Jesus in your prayers and ask him to take you by your hand and give you the direction and inspiration to get up and follow.
