May the Lord grant you grace, peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 10th August 2022. We celebrate the feast day of St. Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr. We reflect on 2 Cor 9:6-10 and John 12:24-26.
Being humanly human opens all the doors of Heaven. None of us is compelled to be good, generous, and charitable. Without being good and charitable, we will not be a complete human. Our daily detachment from wealth, fame, and popularity is the measure of being good. The accumulation of dirt by living cannot be avoided yet we can all clean ourselves by being generous to the poor, the marginalised and the voiceless as much as we can. Depriving of something to provide for the hungry, the lonely and the naked, we clothe Christ Himself who entrusted us with all riches. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7). God is remembered among people when we are generous. St. Lawrence is the most celebrated deacon and martyr for his selfless giving and sacrifice.
Even if we are hesitant and not ready to give our lives for the welfare of the poor, we all need to try our level best to share the resources, gifts, and riches with those around us who are less fortunate than us. It is always possible and easy to please God with our charity and generosity.
The sickness of the modern world is gradually infected by a spiritual disease that is desensitising or losing the capacity to give. Self-glory, pride, and self-righteous attitudes make us benumbed to the pain, and sufferings of others. It is all because we forget the Giver of all the resources and gifts we enjoy. “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (Jn.12:25). May God continues to inspire us to be courageously generous like St. Lawrence. God bless you.