32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B, Year II)

Community Word: Jesus the King reigns in the hearts of those who are faithful to Him.

Theme: Those who are faithful to Jesus the King generously share their blessings.

Promise: “The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry.”(1Kgs 17:14b)

Reflection:
In our society where acquiring material wealth is viewed as a defining feature of daily life, the concept of sharing what you have earned or possess by your own effort seems to be a paradox. Many would consider giving something away, especially to a total stranger, as losing it. But not for Christians; we trust in Jesus when He teaches us, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back,” (Lk 6:38).

We are taught to be generous, sharing not only our treasure and talent but also our time for a cause, believing that as we share our time, we do not lose a moment off our lifespan. In fact, we add time of experience by creating precious moments not only for ourselves but also with those whom we spend our time.Similarly with our hard earned money, when we use it to provide and care for our family. It is not wasted but in reality it leaves a positive difference in the lives of the people we care for. They may forget what we said or did, but they will certainly remember how we made them feel.The impression we make in their lives becomes the purpose by which we may receive blessing upon blessing.

Those who are faithful to Jesus the King generously share their blessings is the theme for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. God gave us everything, our very lives, and He has gifted us with time, talent and treasures. These should be used to build up the lives of other people so that such blessings will continue to multiply, and in turn, bless others as well. The world may take possession and claim credit for what God has given them. But as faithful followers of Christ, we are expected to live a life of generosity as our response to God’s goodness and grace.

St Paul,in his letter to the Corinthians, tells us, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work,” (2Cor 9:6-8). The Lord does not bless us to accumulate wealth and acquire it for ourselves only. He blesses us so that we are able to share such blessings. By our acts of goodness to others, God will surely give His recompense a hundredfold for re-distribution to those who are poor and needy. Our act of giving and sharing should come, not out of compulsion or manipulation, but out of our deep love, devotion, and gratitude to our Magnificent Provider.

The way of the world is the way of self-centeredness and self-gratification – the motto of “worshipping myself, loving material wealth and using others to attain my ambition.” But the word of God compels us to be the opposite – be selfless, loving God by loving others thru caring and sharing, as you love yourself. Our attachment must not be towards the world, but that of following God’s commandment. As such, our actions of generous giving will never be left unrewarded. Like the widow in the 1st reading who shared her last meal with another person, we too may receive this promise: “The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry,” (1Kgs 17:14b). God’s grace will always be enough for our needs.

Prayer:
Loving Father, You gave us everything and You blessed us in every aspect of our lives. We are Yours Lord, to know, love and serve You. Lead us to be generously giving despite experiencing trial and poverty, to share abundantly as much as we are able to and even beyond our ability. Allow us to serve the urgent needs of Your people and remain sympathetic to their plight. To You, Lord, we are always grateful, knowing that Your mercy and kindness will last forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
1.Do you consider all good things as God-given gifts that ought to be shared? How does your giving reflect God’s generosity towards you?
2.What is your motivation in sharing your blessings with others? Doyour actions become an expression of gratitude to God?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
Nov 11, 2018 (Sun) –  Kgs 17:10-16/Ps 144:7-10/Hb 9:24-28/Mk 12:38-44
Nov 12, 2018 (Mon) – Ti 1:2-9/Ps 24:1-6/Lk 17:1-6
Nov 13, 2018 (Tue) –  Ti 2:1-8, 11-14/Ps 37:3, 4, 18, 23, 27, 29/Lk 17:7-10
Nov 14, 2018 (Wed) – Ti 3:1-7/Ps 23:1-6/Lk 17:11-19
Nov 15, 2018 (Thu) – Phlm 7-20/Ps 146:7-10/Lk 17:20-25
Nov 16, 2018 (Fri) –  2Jn 4-9/Ps 119:1, 12, 10, 11, 17, 18/Lk 17:26-37
Nov 17, 2018 (Sat) –  3Jn 5—8/Ps 112:1-6/Lk 18:1-8

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”