Posted on by Msgr. Charles Pope

On the Joy of Giving, as Seen in a Beautiful Commercial

Volunteers at St. Matthew’s Cathedral serve a hot breakfast to guests at the Christmas breakfast on Dec 15.

In our care for the poor, there are many rewards that we know must wait. Sometimes we are not exactly sure what the help we supplied even did at all!

Scripture does speak of some blessings that will wait until heaven. And thus Jesus counsels us to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Matt 6:20). Of course, we do not store up treasure in heaven by putting it in a balloon or a rocket and sending it up there. Rather, what Jesus teaches is that we store it up in heaven by giving it to the poor and needy. Scripture says elsewhere, Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for it will come back to you after many days. (Eccles 11:1)

And thus, some of our care for the poor will have rewards that we will reap later.

But some rewards are now. Perhaps we see what a difference our help has made. Or perhaps, too, we notice how God’s goodness to us increases, since he can trust us to be generous with His blessings. Scripture says, And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. (Matt 10:42). Or again, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38) And yet again, Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17).

Yes, some rewards are now, and not just “return gifts” from the Lord, but also the joy of giving itself; the joy of connecting with others.

All of those personal rewards and others besides are seen in this beautiful video. Please enjoy it! And remember, GOD will not be outdone in generosity.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men…. (Gal 6:9-10)

12 Replies to “On the Joy of Giving, as Seen in a Beautiful Commercial”

  2. Thank you Msgr. Pope. That’s a beautiful video of someone thinking completely outside of themselves.
    I pray the Lord will teach me to be like that!

    1. Me too, Nan. It made me cry of joy…so much love! Thank you, Monsignor Pope.

  4. A timely reflection as the season of lent is widing out. But giving ought to be part of xtian life.

    1. He surely loves you – just ask , confess if needed, but don’t doubt the mercy of God.

  6. This one made me cry, too. I called my husband in to see it and he had the same response. Thank you for always being so thoughtful in your reflections.

  9. Truly, a God inspired message sent at the right time — Holy Thursday. Thank you God!

  10. It is truly better to give than to receive, for in giving is the greatest reward.

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