In the first reading St. Paul is writing to the Corinthians about the generosity of the Macedonian church. According to St. Paul it is something that needs to be shared, as one person’s testimony will help another to grow. St.Paul says that the Macedonian church was undergoing severe problems and poverty. Yet they shared beyond their ability. Everything belongs to God, we are only caretakers. God is our source of blessing and security. It is the insecurity in the depth of our hearts that makes us hold on to things. In John 16:9 Jesus explains that people sin “because people do not believe in me”. When we are unable to believe that God can look after our needs, we tend to hold onto things. We may say that it is for our children or for a day of necessity. Today let us give the truth of our hearts to him. “Jesus we are trying to look after ourselves and we have hurt ourselves and others in the process, because we could not believe in your providence. Wash us in your precious blood and release us from this bondage.”

Prayer: Abba Father, we surrender what we hold onto, anoint us with your Holy Spirit. Amen.