2 Corinthians 9: 6-11; Psalm 112; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18
Paul continues to explain how generous God is, how bountiful, “able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share in every good work.” God will enrich you in every way, he promises. “God loves a cheerful giver,” and the psalm echoes that: “They have given freely, they have given to the poor.” Jesus warns not to sound the trumpet when we give alms, not to pray so as to be seen by others, not to fast so as “to disfigure their faces.” “Do not look dismal like the hypocrites,” because Jesus too knows that God loves a cheerful giver.
Do you really have enough of everything? What more do you need? Tell Jesus. When have you looked dismal? Ask the Spirit to help you remember. Wait. Listen. Does your sour face arise from hunger, grief, jealousy? What? Jesus is here to heal, again and again, never gets tired of healing, of giving to those in need. Giving to you.
Forgive our self-sufficiency, Jesus. We need you so much and you are so generous with us. Thank you. We know your giving, your healing has no boundaries so please care for the really poor, we pray.