Today’s readings invite us to reflect on generosity—our generosity toward God and toward others—and how God, in turn, never allows Himself to be outdone in generosity.
In the first reading, we meet Gideon, a man who feels small, insignificant, and powerless. He belongs to the weakest clan, and he himself considers himself the least of all. And yet, God chooses him to be the one through whom Israel will be delivered from the Midianites. What is Gideon’s first response? He offers what little he has—a young goat, some bread, and broth. It may not seem like much, but it is offered with sincerity and faith. And God accepts this gift, transforming it by fire into something holy. Gideon’s generosity, small as it may appear, opens the way for God’s power to act.
This same truth is echoed in the Gospel. Jesus warns His disciples that wealth can make it difficult to enter the Kingdom of Heaven—not because riches themselves are evil, but because they tempt us to cling to our own security rather than to God. The rich young man we heard about yesterday could not let go, and so today Jesus explains that only with God’s help can we find the freedom to live generously.
Peter then speaks up: “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus assures him that no sacrifice made for the sake of God goes unnoticed. Anyone who gives up family, possessions, or land for the Kingdom will receive back a hundredfold—and eternal life besides. In other words, God’s generosity always surpasses ours.
What do these readings say to us? They remind us that generosity begins not when we have much to give, but when we give of what we already have, even if it feels small—our time, our attention, our compassion, our willingness to forgive. Like Gideon, we may think we are too weak or insignificant to make a difference. But when we place our little offering in God’s hands, He transforms it and works wonders through it.
And like the disciples, we are called to trust that any sacrifice we make for Christ is never wasted. Giving up what the world values most—comfort, possessions, or even relationships when they pull us away from God—may feel costly in the moment, but it opens us to receive far more: the joy of freedom, the richness of God’s presence, and the promise of eternal life.
So today, let us ask ourselves: How generous am I with God? Do I give Him only what is convenient, or do I offer Him my very best—even when it costs me? And how generous am I with others? Do I look for ways to bless, to serve, to give of myself, trusting that God will provide?
May we, like Gideon, offer what we have, however small, and may we, like the disciples, trust that in giving all for Christ, we receive everything and more in return. May we pray always that Jesus alone be our reward, and a loving relationship with him suffices.
Queen of Heaven, you who found your treasure in God always, help us to have the same spirit of generosity towards God and neighbour. Amen.
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