October 23, 2022, 12:00 PM
If I offered you 168 one-dollar bills, as a free gift, no strings attached, would you accept? Then if I asked for $1 back, would you give it to me? How about $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 amount or percentage. The Bible addresses 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). God challenges His people to challenge Him on this. “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8).
So, how can we cheerfully give nearly 17 hours each week to God? It’s easy, put God first! Attending Mass, praying, especially the Rosary, and Adoration all count. Reading Sacred Scripture and the Catechism counts. Doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy, such as visiting the sick counts. Participating in adult faith formation and serving as a catechist count. 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. The Diocesan Annual Appeal is a great opportunity to contribute. Refusing to give back some of His gift means robbing God and, even more important, could lead to refusing the gift giver Himself. Now you know!
