When we give God our tithe, both in treasure, talent or time according to the needs of the Church, we are allowing ourselves to not be attached to the things of this world. Recently our family was asked to bring up the offertory gifts of bread and wine at mass. My 9 year old daughter was sad because we didn’t place money in the collection basket. I explained that we represented the parish church in bringing up bread & wine, a symbol of all of the church’s labor and sacrifice just as we do when placing our individual offerings in the collection basket. Typically we donate online, but our daughter always likes to put a tangible monetary donation in the basket.
Of course she was excited when she was able to put money in the Saint Vincent de Paul box at the end of Mass too. Nevertheless these symbols of giving to God at the offertory collection are more than just monetary exchanges. We are giving to God in return that which we were blessed with as stewards of His benevolent will for our life. Some have more than others financially and that is ok because we give according to status in life. In the book of Acts of the Apostles, it describes how people would give before the apostles’ feet and the distribution divided according to need (Acts 4:5). Then there is the story of the widow’s mite who put all she had in the treasury (Mk. 12:44). In both instances, such an instance reveals how we should not be attached to worldly possessions for all that we have been blessed with comes from God.
When we give to God our gifts at each Mass and lift up hearts to Him and place our worries & fears before the altar where Jesus’s great sacrifice is commemorated, we are united together in solidarity. At the Eucharistic meal we partake in, God will provide us with something greater. When we receive holy communion we are receiving the grace we need from the supernatural food that nourishes our soul and unites our bond with Jesus.
If we worry about finances in our life and this is a reason for not giving, ask God to be the ruler of your life.
We can pray to God to allow us to get through difficult moments. While praying to win the lottery won’t help, God may provide in other ways and provide us with peace and solace to get through the storm. Remember that we cannot only give to God our treasure, but can also give to God our talent and time in volunteering in the ministry of the church. Give freely and let go, let God so that we can be dependent on His grace. As Matthew’s gospel reminds us: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mt. 6:24).
A good prayer of intercession to Saint Matthew:
O Saint Matthew, former tax collector and patron saint of financial matters, I humbly come before you, seeking your intercession as I struggle with my finances. I ask for your guidance in managing my resources wisely, and for the grace to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ’s provision for my needs.
StreetEvangelist 