There are a number of Biblical texts that speak of being generous to the poor, for to do so will brings bountiful blessings. Or put negatively, if we are stingy we will come up short in our own blessings.
Just for a brief post today, consider the following verses, and then see a rather funny demonstration of these verses in a Fita Crackers Ad (from the Philippines).
Here is a promise from the Lord:
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap (Lk 6:38).
But the text goes on to state a clear principle:
For the measure you measure to others, will be measured back to you.” (Lk 6:38)
And again comes the rule of returning proportion:
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Cor 9:6)
And so the Lord the admonishes us
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (Prov 11:24)
And now a word from our sponsor that illustrates well the text: Who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. The Ad is “clever by half.”
The text of Matthew 6:22-23 literally reads: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is good, your whole body is full of light; but if your eye is evil your whole body is full of darkness…” Now, “If your eye is good” is a Hebrew saying that means, “if you are generous.” But our English translators have not recognized this Hebrew idiom. Almost all translations preserve the singular, “eye,” even though “eyes” would make more sense in English. Do we need only one of our eyes to be good? Only three translations (Good News For Modern Man, New English Bible, New International Version) have recognized the absurdity of “eye.” These translations have translated “eyes” in spite of the fact that the original Greek text has “eye.”
Source: http://foundationsmin.org/studies/idioms.htm
And as always, keep in mind the interpretation of the Holy Spirit, Author and Interpreter of the Scriptures, Who speaks through the Magisterium that He created on Pentecost.
Love it!
Nothing better than a video to illustrate the Message.
Thanks Msgr Pope
Msgr. You are a clever one with the videos! Thanks for the laugh!
In all seriousness, a valid point made in the importance of giving or best and our all. My parents instilled the importance of giving the best I am capable of giving regardless of the situation present. Reflecting on the gifts and abilities given to me from God and to be returned back to Him, glorifying Him in every event of my daily life. To obtain and live with a servants heart.
Jesus promised us that the poor would always be with us thus affording us many opportunities to freely give, serve, and love. Those who are capable of recognizing Christ in them seek not to judge but to serve. The gift lies in the giving….
VERY GOOD! LOL!!! 🙂
Had to think about this one initially but realized that he only gave half and received what he gave. LOL.
🙂