It is 10th August 2018. We celebrate the Feast of St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. The entrance antiphon to the Holy Mass hails the saint: “This is the blessed Lawrence, who gave himself up for the treasure of the Church: for this he earned the suffering of martyrdom to ascend with joy to the Lord Jesus Christ.” The readings are from 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; and the Gospel from John 12:24-26. None of us can say that we are generous to God as we supposed to be. Most of us are satisfied with that little we give in comparing with the another one who is so meagre and stingy to the Lord. Once our faith is focused in Christ, we become generous giver. In the first reading, we are encouraged to be generous bountifully so as to enjoy the blessings of the Lord in abundance. We will never run dry by offering that belongs to God. “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor.9:7). It is God who multiply everything we give. Our reward in Heaven and even in the earth depend on the way we give. Let us not hoard and hold what belongs to God and the poor. Even if the beneficiaries are physically present, we must honour their presense in our communities, and the society by being generous. What is stipulated in the Scripture is only a guideline to give; we must always aspire to give better than yesterday and before. By being generous, we always win against the selfish and sinful forces within and after all the charity wipes all the sins. Even if the sins are not forgiven, we need to give because that is what we are to be. When was the last time we felt, we have given enough to God and the poor? Never be complacent in generosity. We are so blessed abundantly, let us make others feel that God still cares and loves through us. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Blessed the person who is gracious and lends to those in need.” (Ps.112:5). The Gospel invites us to be at the beck and call of the poor and the needy wherever possible. Our service must not have billboard. Our service is that which allows us to die like the grain that yields the desirable fruit. “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also my servant be. The Father will honour whoever serves me.” (Jn.12:26). Just like the deacon martyr St. Lawrence, let us offer ourselves as the treasures to God and the poor. We have not been generous as we should, let us begin now to make a difference in someone’s life. May you have a good day. God bless you.