Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of free will 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.

If we wish our offerings to be acceptable to God, then we need to choose good over evil. This means being obedient to the commandments, charitable to others, refraining from evil, and avoiding injustice. All these things require sacrifice on our part. We have to put aside our pride, envy, anger, lust, greed, gluttony, and sloth and enrich ourselves with faith, hope, and love. It is only by living generously that we will grow wealthy in grace. It is only by giving with a joyful spirit that we will learn to let the Divine Image shine through us and give light to the world. All our goods come from God and it is too Him that we should return them through knowing, loving, and serving Him and His children.

Are we choosing good over evil? Are we making the sacrifices necessary to pay homage to God? Do we give love and mercy to others with a cheerful countenance?

O Lord, we want to give our love to you and others as you have given it to us.

Amen.