To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just one's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I. Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Peter began to say to Jesus, 'We have given up everything and followed you."Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."
REFLECTION
The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts.
Recently, I read about a Midwestern couple who won a lottery, $500,000,000, They opted for a lump sum. This meant they get the winning amount after taxes are taken out. This couple received $250,000,000 lump sum.
The winning couple were hard-working. They have three older sons and an adopted daughter. They had decided as a family to use some of their winnings to help their community. They bought a sewage treatment plant for their town. Then they gave the local fire department a new fire station in a central location for better response time. They bought a new ball field for the high school.
A community member commented that, "Money changes people." This couple has not changed. They have always been good people who care for their neighbors. The winner, Cindy, said, "For some reason God put it in our hands. I think to make sure it goes to the right things."
I believe Cindy was right. The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts.
We are beginning Lent tomorrow. As Catholics during Lent we commit ourselves to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Fasting is the first thing we plan to do. Let us remember to be generous with almsgiving and give praise to God.
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