Generosity and kindness are how we imitate God. These are basic universal laws, not just lovely sentiments. If we give very little - if we are stingy and selfish - we cannot expect much will come our way. But if we are open-handed and generous, it will eventually rebound on us.

Most importantly, it must be done cheerfully and joyfully. Generosity with resentment, anger, or a desire to be rid of others is not generosity at all. It is a form of selfishness. Our intentions and motives are important.

We can even be generous with our life, just as Jesus was. The dying grain of wheat symbolizes the dying and rising that is part of our life. For the new to be born, the old must die and fall to the ground, becoming the seed for a new life.

We should not cling fearfully to anything, even our own lives. Jesus reminded us that in the end, we all die, but if we give of ourselves freely, we will have abundant new life.

God pours out blessings on us and the world, as does Jesus. Let us do the same.