What a blessing to spend time with the readings for today.  It has been my experience that the Reading, Psalm and Gospel are not regularly as well aligned as they are in this case, focusing so obviously on the opportunity that we all have to generously share God’s abundance! 

The reading from 2nd Corinthians calls us to cheerfully sow and reap whatever gifts and grace we’ve been given, having all that we need, and reminds us that we’ve been enriched for all generosity.  The Responsorial Psalm says that the faithful will have their riches, but also be lavish in their generosity, which will endure forever.  And the Gospel lesson from Mark tells of Jesus’ call to exercise humility in our fasting, praying and our righteous deeds, including alms, understanding that these are not done for self-aggrandizement, but for sharing what is first and always God’s. 

I am reminded every day, in one way or another, of my extraordinary privilege and the blessings in my life.  Few people in this world – and fewer still, women – have what I have.  Clean water, abundant food, sturdy shelter, psychological safety.  A loving family and dear friends.  Add to that my many freedoms: to be educated, work, participate in my society, and worship, among many, many others.  With so many gifts that make my life so comfortable compared to so many others, how can I not be grateful and how can I not be generous?  How can I not share with those in need, what God has first provided to me?  And how can I not do so with humility and grace, rather than with a hypocrite’s boisterousness?  My God, who sees me in the quiet, secret moments already knows what is in my heart and in my deeds.  I know, and God knows.  To borrow from Saint Ignatius, “that is enough for me.”  I challenge myself and all readers to be privately, lavishly generous.  Amen.