💖 HOMILY - JUNE 18 💖

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 

Gospel - Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

They say a smile is infectious—and so is generosity. A sincere smile can brighten another person’s day, and a generous heart can bring hope to someone in despair. As Christians, we are called to be cheerful givers, not just with our money or possessions, but with our time, our presence, and our love. Today’s readings invite us to embrace this generous way of life—not reluctantly or for show, but with joy and sincerity, for God delights in cheerful givers.

In the first reading, St. Paul speaks with deep conviction about the spirit of generosity. He reminds the Christians in Corinth that giving should never come from compulsion or reluctance. Instead, it should flow freely from a heart that rejoices in helping others. A reluctant giver counts the cost and does the minimum; a cheerful giver gives freely and trusts in God’s abundance. Paul assures us that those who give generously will never be in want, because God will supply their needs and even more. Generosity, he says, multiplies—not only what we give, but what we receive in return, in ways both material and spiritual.

The Gospel adds another layer of insight. Jesus speaks about three foundational pillars of religious life: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are not rituals to be paraded for human approval. Instead, they are deep, personal acts of devotion to God. Jesus teaches that when we give, pray, or fast, we must do so quietly, humbly, and sincerely. The reward is not public praise, but something far more lasting—God’s favor and grace.

This teaching is deeply relevant in our time. We live in a world where appearances matter so much, and social media often becomes the stage where even our acts of kindness are displayed. But true generosity is not performed; it is lived. It is not noisy; it is silent, heartfelt, and transformative. It doesn’t seek applause; it seeks to please God and uplift the other.

Dear friends, many today are poor not only in material things but in relationships. There are people surrounded by online connections, but starved of genuine human presence. Elderly people suffer from loneliness despite having everything else. Many are burdened by silent grief, hidden struggles, and emotional isolation. Generosity is not just giving money; it is giving time, attention, understanding, and compassion.

St. Paul’s words challenge us to break out of a hoarding mentality. Life is not about collecting more; it’s about sharing more. The joy of the Gospel is best experienced when we bring joy to others. And Paul assures us: no act of kindness goes unnoticed by God. What we give with a cheerful heart will come back to us, enriched by God's own generosity.

Let us, then, become cheerful givers—not because we have to, but because we want to; not to be seen by others, but to be pleasing to God; not to make ourselves feel good, but to lift up someone else. That is the kind of giving that brings a smile to God’s face—and to the faces of those we touch.

May we live with open hands and joyful hearts, knowing that God, who sees in secret, will bless us in abundance.