Latest article: When You Want to Give Back to God
Laura DeMaria
Hi all! My latest article is up at Catholic Stand, called “When You Want to Give Back to God.”
It was inspired by a conversation had on the Morning Air program a few weeks back. My favorite thing was being able to incorporate a bit of scripture that has importance for me; during Lent a couple years ago I took this part down from one first readings in the run-up to Lent, printed it, and sent it in cards to friends and family. That was one of the things I “added” during that Lent. Here it is, Sirach 35:1-13:
“To keep the law is to make many offerings; whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. By works of charity one offers fine flour, and one who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.
“To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is atonement. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
“The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High. The sacrifice of the just is accepted, never to be forgotten.
“With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
“Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.”
It hit me in a particular way not because it outlines what God demands (none of these things are things he demands, in fact) but because of how it ends: with the promise of God’s love and abundance. “He is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.”
Amen! And Happy Memorial Day. Praying for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedoms today.