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St Peter (1 Pt.4:8) affirms, "Charity covers a multitude of sins." St James (James 5:20) repeats the same saying about covering a multitude of sins, applying it especially to the work of bringing a sinner back from the wrong way. It may well be that this was a saying current in the early Church. Similarly, it is plausible that the saying derives from what Jesus says at the end of today's Gospel passage, "But if you give what you have as alms, all will be wiped clean from you." Throughout the whole history of the Church, almsgiving has been recognized as a very concrete form of charity, Christian love and concern.
It may repay reflection to note that Jesus does not speak about giving a part of what we have. The immediate impression is that He is speaking, more radically, of a total giving. Jesus is not always so radical in His demands, but we may recall His praise of the widow giving all to the Temple treasury (Mk.12:41-44; Lk. 21:1-4). Among the early disciples, it seems there were some who took these more radical sayings of Jesus seriously. They would certainly have understood what Mother Theresa said about giving till it hurts.
Teach us, O Lord, to be generous, to give and not to count the cost.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the Synod of Bishops may help the Pastors and theologians, the Catechists and promoters who are engaged in the service of the Word of God to courageously transmit the truth of faith in communion with the entire Church.
Elaboration
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