In today’s readings a central message seems to be ‘generosity’: generosity of God and generosity of humans, working side by side. Reflecting on each reading it is evident that generosity is born out of trust: trust in the promises of God, trust in the divine providence of a loving Father. We live in a world that is training us and providing us with the means to be self-sufficient, with numerous resources coaching us to create a secure future.

In our desire to find security, certainty and prosperity in life, we then choose to place our trust in these attractive, logical and sometimes well proven ways. However, this act of trusting in human wisdom in turn limits our acts of generosity. Because to ensure security for our future, we feel the need to preserve what we have, leaving us with nothing to spare for someone else.

Today’s readings invite us to let go of our means and plans for the future and place our trust in God’s providence that can and will cater to all our needs in ways that we cannot even imagine.

In the first reading, the widow of Zarephath had a genuine concern and fear for her life and her son’s, yet dared to trust in the words of prophet Elijah that brought forth a greater blessing. In the Gospel reading we see the widow who offered something from what little she had which attracted God’s favour above a rich man’s greater offering.

Finally, we can look at Jesus, who gave his whole life as an offering for humanity winning the ultimate glory of resurrection. What we notice in each account of generosity is the incredible working of God in return to turn things around in each person’s life.

In whom or what have we placed our trust today? What controls us from being generous as we are called to be? What things do we hold so dear to our hearts and find difficult to let go? We are reminded that moments of scarcity are indeed moments of grace to experience the working of God in and through us. The temptation will be to hold on, hoard and preserve for later, yet the invitation is to let go and share.

Just as we sing in the beautiful prayer of St. Francis, ‘it is in giving of ourselves that we receive and in dying that we are born to eternal life’. As we give with a generous heart, the Lord will multiply.

PRAYER: Abba Father, we place our trust in you alone, to provide for all our needs. Amen.