Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“do you begrudge my generosity?”

A central theme of the teachings of Jesus Christ is generosity.

The word  "generous" originating from Latin generōsus, meaning "of noble birth,"  first appeared in English in the late 16th century,  carrying the sense of being nobly born or of high social status.
Over time, the meaning  shifted from noble birth to noble-mindedness or magnanimity, reflecting qualities traditionally associated with the aristocracy, such as graciousness, kindness, and liberality.

In Acts 20:35, St Paul reminded us that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” 

Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

In Acts 4:32-35, we read how the early Christian community exemplified God's generosity by ensuring that no one among them was in need.

An admirer of the great German composer, Johannes Brahms, left him 1,000 pounds in his will. Upon learning about the bequest, Brahms was deeply moved. “It touches me most deeply and intimately,” he wrote to a friend. “All exterior honours are nothing in comparison.” Then, in the very next sentence, he informed his friend that since he did not need the money, he was “enjoying it in the most agreeable manner, by taking pleasure in its distribution.” Music to my ears – and heart.

I enjoy the generosity of the members of this congregation who, after mass,  every week, buy me coffee and orange juice – and occasionally fill my pocket with those tasty Mandorla Almond Cookies.