God's Call to Humble Generosity | Sunday Gospel Reflection | 10 Nov 2024 with Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

GENEROSITY 101
by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

Question: What is the difference between a handkerchief and a necktie?
Answer: A handkerchief is always in the pocket, hidden, but very useful.
A necktie is in front, visible, but not of much use as it is only for display and decoration.
—————-
Today’s Gospel (Mark 12:38-44) warns us not to desire praise and recognition, entitlement, and human applause. Jesus also reminds us not to do our good deeds, so as to elicit praise from people. In other words, let us learn to be humble, and to be sincere in everything we say or do.
—————-
Shallow are those people who do not earn their respect; vain are those people who would do anything to gain attention or recognition; empty are those people who fake, manipulate and use other people just to feel good about themselves.
—————-
Let us ask ourselves today: What is my life all about: One, for the money? Two, for the show? Sad to say, a person can spend a whole lifetime just seeking money, wealth, and possessions, and putting up a show just to get human approval. More sad if in the pursuit of it all, a person has forgotten to honor God, and to serve or help people.
—————-
Respect is earned. It is not sought. It is not demanded. It is not begged for. It is not something automatically attached to one’s office or status. It does not come from the lights outside you, but from an inner light that makes you glow.
—————-
Saints are like the stained glass. They shine not because they focused the spotlight on themselves, but because they allowed God’s light to shine through them.
—————-
You have found real peace when you can truly say: “What God thinks and says about me is more important than