Sir 35:1-12/ Ps 50: 5-6. 7-8. 14 and 23/ Mk 10:28-31

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us that every sacrifice made for God is rewarded in this present time and the world to come. The first reading directs our minds to the offerings pleasing to God; they must be the expression of justice, virtue and honour to the Lord, and should not be done grudgingly but accompanied by a cheerful, smiling face. They are to be made with a clean and sincere heart of gratitude. How many of us are willing to offer to God from the depth of our hearts, cheerfully and with sincere gratitude, and not for any selfish motive? God wants an offering given with a pure heart, generously and joyfully, not grudgingly. It is one of our basic duties as Christians to offer in thanksgiving to God, and to offer to others in appreciation of God’s love and faithfulness.

Prayer: Teach us Lord, how to give ourselves and the treasures you have given to us back to you generously and with a sincere heart filled with joy and gratitude. Amen.