Living Generously

“But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

This passage begs the all-important question: What do you seek first? What drives and motivates how you spend your money, your time, and your talents? We are called to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with, but we are also called to be obedient and generous towards others.

When the opportunity arises, we should be willing to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure. In First Kings 17:10-12 it says:

He [Elijah] called to her [the widow] and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?”  As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

This woman was living in a time where famine was throughout the entire land. She was counting sticks to prepare her last meal for herself and her child so they could eat and then die. And Elijah asked her to give him her final meal. What’s truly amazing is that she did it. She did it not because she had an abundance to give, but she had faith that God would provide.

Even more, the widow gave out of what she had. She was not asked to prepare a feast or feed a thousand people – even though God could have done that miracle. She was asked to give what she had. God will never ask us to be generous with what we don’t have – only with what we have. We are called to give generously. After all, all we have is not ours – it’s all God’s.

Let’s all live generously, giving to meet the needs of those in our community.

Finding Hope in Hardship

"No one is to be excluded from God's love or our care." - Pope Francis

So often we unintentionally overlook those who are in need, because the need isn’t overtly obvious. Or, sometimes the person does not know how to ask for help. People like Jack.

Jack is a retired veteran and is a very “matter-of-fact” kind of man, even when expressing his deep sense of need. He called Catholic Charities in Indianapolis this summer, looking for utility assistance. Although many calls come through during very hot or very cold months, Jack’s need for assistance was a matter of life or death. See, Jack relies on medical equipment to breathe, and if his equipment was left without power, he might not make it through the weekend.

After calling Jack back, we learned that Jack’s need extended beyond the physical. Jack’s wife Jenny passed away in January. Jenny was the one who handled the bills. Jenny was the one Jack went to for help. But, Jenny wasn’t around any more and Jack wasn’t sure how to pay the bills or how to ask for help.

Catholic Charities was not only able to meet Jack’s utility needs – ensuring his power would run uninterrupted. But, Jack was able to find a place of help and hope as he transitioned to his new “normal.” Catholic Charities is now able to be a friend and support to Jack so he is never left in a vulnerable position again.

Catholic Charities is a reflection of God’s love and care to those in need – the vulnerable and hurting. Sometimes the need is purely physical, but often, there is a deeper wound that needs healing. Catholic Charities is able to walk beside those who are hurting, providing help and creating hope for all who are struggling.

How can each of us better see the needs in those around us and show God’s love and care in the midst of hardship, so no one is left vulnerable?