A popular Catholic psychologist noted that when children are trained to be generous they grow up to be happier persons. He advises parents to train children to give away a portion of Christmas gifts rather than try to amass more stuff for themselves.
The wise man Sirach gives us a sermon on money management today. In brief, he says that if you want to be rich, then be generous. This goes against the grain of a culture that says grab, possess, and accumulate (Sirach 35:1-12).
“In a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts.”
His first principle for money management is to be generous is what we give to the Lord.
“Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously according to your means.”
Has God been stingy with us? Let’s turn our eyes to the cross and realize how generous God has really been. What more could he have done to show his love for us? What if we made it a habit to imagine we are placing our money at the foot of the cross when we put it in the collection basket?
“The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.”
When we make an offering to the Lord, it is as though we are handing him a vase of beautiful flowers. It pleases him the way a mother is touched when her little one hands her a makeshift “bouquet” of dandelions.
Sirach then moves to an attitude principle.
“With each contribution show a cheerful countenance and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.”
Have we fallen into the mindset of giving to the Church as though we were paying taxes to God—out of duty, or grudgingly? Remember how little children get excited when parents let them drop the envelope in the collection basket? They love giving away their parents’ money. Is it possible for us to imitate their spirit of joy?
Cheerful countenance is another word for “smile.” Do we think to smile at God when we return him some of the money he has provided for us? Surely God’s heart is warmed when he sees one of his children smile when they look to him.
In case we have a “profit” frame of mind about the use of money, Sirach has an answer for that too.
“The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten…For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.”
Never forgotten! God has a perfect memory. He never forgets even the smallest sacrifice we’ve offered out of love for him. Sevenfold! Seven-hundred percent interest on our money. Businessmen take note. Where do you get this kind of return for your investments?
So what keeps us from being generous with God? Have we been hurt in the past? Has someone taken advantage of us? Have we been angry that the Church has “misused” our money? Is there a grudge blocking us from having a generous spirit or maintaining a spirit of joy? Is there a deep-seated fear that prompts us to clutch what we have and use it to protect ourselves?
As we begin Lent, maybe our first action step is to go to the foot of the cross with our wounds, our fears, our sins, and hurtful memories. There we will receive healing, and remembering Jesus’ act of self-giving will stir within us a generous spirit.
“He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me” (Ps 50:23).
