Rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. – Philippians 2:3-4

       “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed his neighbor. “A pink house, dude? You must be out of your mind? I would never let my wife dictate me like that.”

       “You don’t understand. My wife says she feels happy whenever she sees pink. When she’s happy, I’m happy,” the man explained.

       It’s human nature to want to have everything our way. However, dying to one’s preferences for the good of another is a virtue. Mothers would eat the less tasty portions so their children can get the choicest parts of the chicken. Fathers would play parlor games even if they look silly because their kid asked to play with them. Friends would stay up late, foregoing much needed rest, to console a pal who is having work or relationship problems. Wives would choose to do the laundry by hand even if it would ruin their manicures so that their husbands’ uniforms will be cleaner and be more presentable. Husbands would endure watching a chick flick instead of going out with their buddies so their wives can watch their favorite movie star.

       All these they do out of love.

Reflection: One of the greatest signs of love is choosing an option for the benefit of another, even if it’s something other than what you prefer.

Lord, grant me the grace to desire what is best for my neighbor before my own interest.

St. Martin de Porres, religious, pray for us.

Paul exhorts the Philippians to have unity of heart and mind. This is essential to the proclamation of the Gospel, lest there be disunity in the community that hinders its full and proper proclamation. Division among the Christian Churches and denominations is a scandal that prevents the spread of the Good News. Let us do all that we can to forge unity of the Churches and resolve any problems we have with others before they become a new source of scandal.

1 Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.

R: In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

1 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me. (R) 2 Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. (R) 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (R)

This parable encourages us to grow in generosity and selflessness. There is something very human about our fallen state that always seeks to make sure we are comfortable before we look to the needs of others. We need to fight this tendency so that we can witness to the truth that God’s love is selfless and always seeks the best for others, over and above one’s self.

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

12 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Isaiah 45-48

HAPPY TO SERVE

A story was told about St. Lawrence, whose faith, poverty and love for the poor were exemplary. The king heard of the various riches the church had: chalices, candle holders, images and other paraphernalia made of gold. Tempted, he called Lawrence and commanded him to surrender these riches. To his surprise, Lawrence said yes immediately. With alacrity, Lawrence gathered all the sick, the lame, crippled, blind, deaf and every outcast, and brought them before the king. The king was taken aback by the presence of these people in his kingdom. He got very angry and asked Lawrence why he brought those people instead of the church’s riches. Lawrence replied, “Your Highness, these people you see are the riches of the Church!” For that, the king brought Lawrence to die via the iron grill.

         We can see why, in the Gospel, Jesus preferred that the poor and the sick be invited for dinner. They, being the riches of the church, should be the object of our concern. Jesus wanted us to be charitable, but charity is not just giving. It should also be given to the proper receiver.

       I have a friend who is very generous to a fault. He just gives and does not bother how the receiver uses his donation. But that is not enough. The responsibility includes seeing to it, as much as we can, that the goods entrusted to us, which we also entrust to others, are used well. In that way, the opportunity to do an act of charity is fulfilled.

       Another aspect of Jesus’ command is that when we share our resources with the poor, we do not expect them to return the favor. We normally expect to receive something for our good deeds, but with the poor, we are to give without expecting anything in return. That is authentic and total giving.

        Let us make sure that we help to serve. Charity is already a reward in itself. If some reward will come, thanks be to God. But we should not seek it out and account our beneficiary for that. At best, we help just by thinking that we are helping “the poor.” In the process, we do not expect anything in return but are just happy to serve. Fr. Benny Tuazon

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What is your motivation for giving? Do you give selectively and only to the people whom you like or who can return the favor?

Lord Jesus, form my heart with Your brand of charity. Help me to give without counting the cost and without expecting anything in return.