Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily from Monday, Nov. 5, 2018

If we understand that unconditional love means expecting nothing in return from the person that one loves, then we can understand what Jesus is inviting us to in Luke 14:12-14. Jesus said that if we care for the poor, the lame, and the blind, our reward for such kindness will come at the resurrection of the righteous. However, many of us like to keep a record of the right that we have done for others so that they might do the same for us. Our relationships are built on barter rather than love. Generosity demands a measure of self-sacrifice. It doesn’t impoverish, but rather enriches the soul of the giver. True generosity springs from a heart full of mercy and compassion. God loved us first, and our love is a response of gratitude to his great mercy and kindness towards us. We cannot outmatch God in his generosity towards us. As we take care of the poor, helpless and infirm who cannot repay us, God Himself assures us that He will repay us at the resurrection of the just. Shalom!