God's Economics of Giving

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Second Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 14:1, 7-14*

*First Reading : Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11*

*Second Reading - Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a*

*God's Economics of Giving*

*Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you*

*1) Selfless Generosity*

The heart of this teaching is about selfless giving.

Human nature often expects something in return when we offer help, gifts, or kindness. 

Whether it's an invitation to dinner or giving financial assistance, there’s often an underlying expectation that we will receive something back. 

Jesus, however, calls His followers to give freely without strings attached—especially to those who have no capacity to repay. 

The idea is that our generosity should not be motivated by a desire for reciprocity, but rather by love and compassion for others, especially those on the margins.

*2) Kingdom Economics*

This teaching also introduces what might be called “Kingdom economics”. 

In the world's system, generosity is often transactional— *“I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine.”* But in the Kingdom of God, the economy is different. 

God’s blessings are not based on transactions, but on grace. 

Jesus points out that the poor, the crippled, and the marginalized might have nothing to offer in return, yet they are recipients of God's love, and their need makes them precious in His sight.

*3) Eternal Reward*

Jesus promises that those who give without expecting repayment will receive a reward— *"you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."* 

This is a reminder that our ultimate reward isn't on earth. 

The blessings we receive are eternal and spiritual in nature, not necessarily material or immediate. 

By giving to those who cannot repay, we are storing up treasures in heaven, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21

The "repayment" Jesus speaks of is the reward of eternal life with God, where true justice and equity will prevail. This also points to the idea that God sees and values what we do in secret.

*4) Reflecting God’s Generosity*

Ultimately, this teaching invites us to reflect the heart of God. 

God’s grace is not earned or repayable; He gives freely to all, regardless of our ability to repay Him. 

The entire concept of salvation is a picture of God's generous love—a gift that we could never repay. Jesus' act of giving His life for us, despite our inability to repay Him, is the ultimate example of generosity.

*5) Practical Application*

*Love without Expectation*:  The teaching challenges us to examine our motives in giving. Are we seeking approval, recognition, or reciprocation? Or are we giving simply because we love others and desire to reflect God's love?

*A Heart for the Marginalized* : It calls us to pay attention to those who might be overlooked in society—those who are struggling, poor, sick, or in need.

Jesus asks us to extend kindness not just to those who can benefit us, but to those who may never be able to return the favor.

*Eternal Perspective*: This teaching encourages us to focus on what matters eternally, not just temporarily.

The reward for selfless generosity may not come in this life, but it will certainly come in the next.

*6) God’s Economics of Giving*

Blessedness is given to those who give without expectation of repayment, because this mirrors the grace He shows to us.

The inability to repay highlights the generosity of God, whose grace is given freely to those who cannot earn or repay it.

True blessing comes from aligning our hearts with God’s generosity, serving those who cannot repay us, and trusting in His eternal reward.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*