Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today’s gospel reading made me stop and reflect on what it means to be generous. Living a life of generosity involves not holding back but instead giving abundantly of that which is important to us- our time, our talent, and our possessions. In order to be able to freely give in this way, an individual needs to be able to step out in faith believing that God will provide for them and their future needs.
When I look at the widow in today’s reading, she epitomizes the virtue of generosity. Jesus notices her gift, although it was small in amount, and praises her for her generosity. As a widow living in Jewish society during Jesus’ time, this woman had meager means to support herself. With bold assurance in God’s protection, she gives her offerings, believing that God will in turn provide what she needs through the generosity of others around her.
As I reflect on how I might live generously, I realize that I have much to learn. Although I do not live in the same situation as the widow in the gospel reading, I still believe that God calls me to be generous in my daily life. As I contemplated how I could become more generous, I found some insights (Science of Generosity website) that I thought were helpful.
“Generosity is a learned character trait that involves both attitude and action—entailing as a virtue both an inclination or predilection to give liberally and an actual practice of giving liberally.” I think this means that being generous should not be an occasional act, but everything you do should come from an attitude of generosity. If we look at God, everything He does and gives is abundant. As disciples we are called to give of ourselves in a similar way, where we choose the more generous option in each situation.
“Generosity is therefore not a random idea or haphazard behavior but rather, in its mature form, a basic, personal, moral orientation to life. Furthermore, in a world of moral contrasts, generosity entails not only the moral good expressed but also many vices rejected (selfishness, greed, fear, meanness).” To be a generous person means that we must always be aware of others and their needs as we live our lives. Once again Jesus shows us the magnitude of generosity in his self-giving on the cross. He does not harbor fear or greed, but gives completely so others can have live abundantly.
“Generosity involves giving to others not simply anything in abundance but rather giving those things that are good for others. Generosity always intends to enhance the true wellbeing of those to whom it gives.” Giving away things that have value and things that are needed by others is the key to true generosity. Jesus once again illustrates the concept of giving as He pours out love, compassion, mercy and peace on others. Because of His great generosity all of creation is blessed, and as His disciples, we are called to live the same way.
In all of our generosity, we are always called to seek God’s will for not only us but for those we serve. The prayer of St. Ignatius captures this sense of generous service:
Lord, teach me to be generous,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to look for any reward,
save that of knowing that I do your holy will.
"Gracious Father, you generously gave us Your Son who shows us how to live lives for others. With the grace of Your Spirit help us to be generous with all we are and possess, so that all people will come to know you and Your generous love. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.'
- Marylynn Herchline