May 29, 2022, 12:00 PM
If I offered you 168 one-dollar bills, as a free gift, no strings attached, would you accept it? If I asked you for $1 back, would you give it to me? How about if I asked you for $2? How about 10%, $16.80? These shouldn’t be difficult decisions since the entire $168 was a free gift. Each week contains 168 hours. Each hour is a free gift from God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (para 2043) says, “the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.”
But how much are we obliged to give? The Church has never stated a specific percentage. But the standard in the Bible was always the tithe, 10 percent of everything. “For every tenth part of herd or flock, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord” (Leviticus 27:32).
So, how can we cheerfully give nearly 17 hours each week to God? It’s easy if we put God first and follow His commandments. Attending Mass counts. Praying counts, especially the Rosary. Adoration counts. Reading Sacred Scripture, such as Mass readings, and the Catechism counts. Doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy, such as visiting the sick counts. Participating in adult faith formation counts. And the list goes on. Think about it. Pray about it. Come up with a plan that allows you to start with a daily effort that grows to 10% of your time, talent, and treasure given to God. Refusing to do this could lead to refusing the gift giver Himself. Now you know!
