Homilies about giving

The Condemned Prisoner Who Gave His Last Coin: A Lesson in Total Giving

The homily emphasizes that God desires our total giving and obedience, not material wealth. Drawing on the Gospel of the poor widow, the priest shares a powerful personal anecdote about a condemned prisoner named Pious in Nigeria who gave his last coin, demonstrating profound faith and devotion, which ultimately led to his unexpected release.

Giving Your Best to God: Lessons from the Widow's Mite

The homily contrasts the self-serving attitude of the scribes with the selfless giving of the poor widow, emphasizing that God values the heart behind the offering, not the quantity. It challenges listeners to give their best time, talents, and resources to God, rather than just their leftovers, drawing parallels with St. Paul's dedication and the story of Cain and Abel.

Giving Your Whole Livelihood: Lessons from St. Paul and the Widow's Mite

The homily draws lessons from St. Paul's perseverance in ministry and the widow's mite. It emphasizes the importance of proclaiming Christ in both convenient and inconvenient times, competing well in the spiritual race, and giving oneself totally to God, even when it costs one's existence, rather than just from surplus wealth.

The Widow's Mite: How Much Love Do You Put Into Giving?

The homily emphasizes that true giving is not about the quantity but the love and heart put into it, drawing lessons from the widow's mite and Mother Teresa's wisdom. It also connects this to St. Paul's humility in finishing his race, encouraging believers to live a life of humility and dedication to God's will.

Finding Miracles When You Have Nothing Left to Give

The homily challenges the notion that we can only be a light to the world when things are going well. Drawing on the story of the Widow of Zarephath and the example of Hispanic immigrants, it emphasizes that true faith and miracles often emerge when we give to others even when we feel we have nothing left to give, trusting in God's providence.

The Widow's Mite: Why God Values Your Heart More Than Your Wallet

The homily contrasts true religion, characterized by humble service and selfless giving, with the self-serving displays of the scribes. It emphasizes that God values the heart behind the gift, not its monetary value, using the example of the poor widow and extending this principle to the generous self-giving of Mary and Jesus.

The Deepest Joy: Embracing Sacrificial Giving

The homily reflects on the challenging nature of true giving and service, drawing parallels between St. Paul's perseverance in proclaiming the Gospel and the widow's sacrificial offering. It emphasizes that while self-emptying and sacrifice are difficult, they lead to the deepest joys and reveal the profound purpose and meaning of life, reassuring us of God's grace in such acts of love.

The Power of Giving from Poverty: A Priest's Story of True Generosity

The homily emphasizes that true generosity comes from the heart, not from surplus wealth, drawing a parallel between the Gospel's poor widow and a personal anecdote of impoverished children donating their meager earnings. It encourages reliance on God's providence, assuring that God will provide for those who give freely and become channels of His grace.

The Widow's Mite: Why God Values Your Whole Self More Than Your Wealth

This homily challenges the conventional understanding of giving by focusing on the 'quality of living' rather than the 'quantity of giving.' Drawing from the Gospel of the poor widow, it emphasizes that true generosity comes from giving one's whole self, not just surplus wealth. The homily calls for authentic, selfless actions and a sincere heart in service to God, rather than outward displays of piety.

The Difference Between Giving from Excess and True Sacrifice

Father Vincent

The homily contrasts those who seek public recognition for their piety with those who offer true, sacrificial giving. Drawing on the readings, the priest emphasizes that genuine faith and service, like the widow's mite or St. Paul's libation, are quiet, reckless, and given from a place of need and gratitude, not from excess or a desire to be seen.

Authenticity in Faith: What St. Paul and St. Thomas More Teach Us About True Victory

The homily emphasizes the importance of authenticity in faith and giving, contrasting outward appearances with genuine inner commitment. Drawing on the readings, it highlights St. Paul's complete dedication to Christ and St. Thomas More's victory over self-interest, urging listeners to live their faith authentically, not for show, and to be wary of doctrines that cater to personal desires rather than truth.

Giving from the Heart: What God Truly Values in Our Offerings

The homily reflects on the Gospel reading about the widow's mite, emphasizing that God is interested in the quality and intention of our giving, not just the quantity. It encourages listeners to give from the heart and to offer not only money but also their presence, attention, and encouragement, drawing a parallel to St. Paul's complete dedication to his ministry.

The Difference Between an Offering and a True Sacrifice

The homily contrasts mere 'offering' with true 'sacrifice,' drawing on the Gospel story of the widow's mite. It emphasizes that a sacrifice involves giving something that truly costs us, rather than just surplus, and connects this to living out the Gospel in daily life, including contributions to the Church.

The Widow's Mite: Why Small Acts of Generosity Matter Most to God

The homily emphasizes that true religion is not about outward displays of piety or seeking honor, but about genuine generosity and trust in God, exemplified by the poor widow's offering. It highlights that even small acts of giving, when done with a generous spirit, are rich in the eyes of the Lord and that saints can be found among ordinary people.

Are You a Sea of Galilee or a Dead Sea in Your Faith?

Father Hen

The homily uses the analogy of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea to illustrate the importance of both receiving and giving in the Christian life. It emphasizes that Christians are called to be missionaries, sharing their time, talents, and resources, and highlights the urgent need for more vocations in the Church today.

Why Givers Never Lack: The Power of Generosity and Trust

The homily emphasizes the importance of generosity, drawing parallels between the widow of Zarephath's trust in Elijah and the Christian call to be 'salt of the earth.' The priest shares a personal anecdote about receiving unexpected blessings after giving, reinforcing the message that givers never lack and that sharing, even a little, leads to multiplication.