Generosity and Gratitude
Monday of Holy Week
John 12:1-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033026.cfm
A friend of mine and her husband have recently fallen on harder times. He has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. It has been a life altering change for them. She is her husband’s primary caregiver and is trying to do the best for him which can be very challenging. She looks for what the right decision is and the best way she can support him and often feels like she is falling short. I can’t imagine what it’s like for them, and everything that they are going through.
Recently her husband’s family decided to hold a fundraiser and a celebration of life event to help support them. The event had a great turnout. She’s also been invited to special Alzheimer’s fundraising and awareness events as a recipient of the much needed aid that they provide. They received support from friends, family, and the broader community.
My friend and her husband have always been very generous. They contribute a lot to the community. They are giving of their time, talents, and treasures for others. For people that have lived a life of generosity, it has been hard to accept the aid of others. They appreciate the support and care, but it’s difficult to be in need especially when you are used to being people that others have leaned on, are always there to support, and know how to make others feel special and valued. But now, it’s their time for others to have the opportunity to be generous back to them. We all have our time of need, and we need to be willing to accept it and be grateful.
The kingdom of God is built on generosity. Sometimes we are the giver and sometimes we are the recipient. None of us can do it alone. We all need to be there for each other. There will always be the ones in need and sometimes that is us. People need an opportunity to give. In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." We need to accept the giving nature of others. We are not intended to do it alone. As willing as some people are to give, they need to be willing to receive as well. Sometimes it may seem like too much, or that it could have been better used for something else, but, alas, we must accept graciously. God’s grace is active in gratitude as it is in generosity. We are called to both with one another and with God. God’s kingdom is built on generosity and gratitude.
