There are a couple of wonderful reasons why I do not mind asking for money. First of all, I am asking on behalf of the Bishop and the pastor. I am also asking on behalf of all the poor throughout our diocese. We have 8 counties in our diocese. We just have a wonderful support of Catholic Charities. It has been such an outstanding ongoing tradition. Over 400,000 people every year are going to be served by your generosity.
The second reason I do not mind asking is because I am doing you a favor–right? The Scripture says if you give in this lifetime, God will give back to you 100 times fold in this life and the eternal life to come. I am giving you back 100 fold and eternal life, so I do not mind! Give whatever you want!
But here is the thing. We hear in The Gospel today, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’” If you want to give, that is wonderful. Give. Do not give and stop going to Mass. If you do not have the money then say, “No, I can’t give at this time.”
It is that simple. I love that Jesus says in The Gospel, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’ and everything else is from the evil one.” That can apply to so many ways and throughout our life. Just take it for example today in giving. Let your “Yes” mean “Yes.” Give if you want to. Give if you feel God is calling you to give. Give if you can. And let your “No” mean “No.” If you can’t–don’t.
Many thanks for the uplifting message everyday.
What a blessing to all who have access.
Have a blest day.
Jan
Wow! What a great example for the Yes/No Gospel message. Thank you for sharing it via email, since I am in Ashtabula and not a member of Saint Gabriel Parish.