Sincerity and generosity

The story is told about a rich man who sent his secretary to turn over to the parish priest his P1-million donation for the church. The parish priest almost had a heart attack upon seeing the amount, but he noticed that the check was not signed. When he asked why, the secretary said in a whisper: “Father, he wants to be anonymous.”

* * *

In today’s Gospel (Mk. 12, 41-44), Jesus teaches us about giving, and, more importantly, the quality of giving. In short, Jesus tells us that true giving is giving from the heart, and not so much from the pocket. More than the quantity, it is the quality of giving that matters.

* * *

Someone said that when the quality of our life increases, the quality of our giving must also increase. Sad to say, for many this isn’t necessarily so. And so it is that we have rich people who become selfish and stingy. There are those, too, who share, but who make sure they get back their money’s worth, every cent of it. More sad is when the rich use their money to manipulate, control and lord it over others.

* * *

Many people are good in the game called fishing. They give something called a bait, with an agenda to get back something—that is, the fish itself! How often do we “give,” when in reality, our purpose is to get back something in return? Yes, some people are very good in fishing—i.e., fishing for compliments, fishing for recognition, fishing for attention, fishing for affection, etc.

* * *

The Lord reminds us also today not only about sincerity of heart but also about “hiddenness” and humility in our acts of piety and charity. All these should be done for the Lord, not for ourselves! Let us not use the name of the Lord in vain. Let us not pretend that we are serving God and others when in fact we are serving ourselves. Yes, we all still have a lot to learn about true giving and true loving.

* * *

Fr. Bernhard Kasselmann, SVD, is one who knew what true giving and true loving were all about. He left the comfort and security of Germany to serve as a missionary, especially to the people of Mindoro Occidental where he spent 40 years of his priestly life. He was ordained by Pope Paul VI on Nov. 28, 1970, and he served the people of Lubang and Looc with much zeal and devotion. He brought the sacraments to his people, along with his skills for waterworks, public works and communications, in the remotest barrios. He was a technical man with a generous heart!

* * *

Father Kasselmann was one who gave his all. He was a water diviner, finding water sources and setting up a water system for his people. He was ahead of his time in a way, setting up solar panels, using computers, and establishing radio communications in his parish. He was also a natural weatherman, as he gets afflicted with a headache when a weather disturbance is imminent. And all these he did with no fanfare, no vainglory, no personal agenda. Yes, he did much and said little, with no claim for show or attention. Truly, they say little who love much. He skipped the earthly rewards and went straight to receive his heavenly reward last Nov. 4.

* * *

Those who cannot let go of worldly praise, adulation, honor, and attention, please don’t forget that what matters most is what God says, not what others say, about you or what you say about yourself. And please don’t forget that all things are passing and fleeting. “Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you; all things are passing away; God never changes; whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices” (St. Teresa of Avila).

* * *

The annual homecoming of the XVDs, the association of ex-SVD, seminarians, priests and brothers, was held yesterday, with the theme “Family and missions in our hearts forever.” It was a heartwarming event, a real coming home to one another and to God Himself, a time for renewal of friendships and of commitment. How wonderful it is when we can come together with no or little regard about worldly position, wealth and functions, and just be filled with gratitude that we are still alive and still can meet each other again. Shouldn’t life itself be something like that, after all?

* * *

Please don’t forget two very important values in life—sincerity and generosity. Yes, let us live and give sincerely and generously. Sincerity and generosity are the keys to true peace and happiness. Those who live and give not from the heart, and those who live and give in a calculated way end up miserable, unhappy and sad. Give anonymously and generously, and you will be happy.

* * *

Over the weekend, due to a very bad cough and cold, I lost my voice! I consoled myself that this is temporary, and nothing compared to what many “voiceless” husbands go through in life, for life! (Joke only! Smile. God bless you. Mama Mary loves you!)

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to give, love and live sincerely and generously, amen.