A Heart of Gold!
What would you do if robbers stole everything but two gold coins? Naturally, you would call the police. But that is not what St. John of Kanty did. He chased after the robbers to give them the gold coins as well. The robbers were so stunned by what he did that they gave back everything they stole.
John was a priest and teacher in fifteenth century Poland. He was kind toward his students, even though he was very disciplined toward himself. He ate no meat and slept on the floor. He kept only the clothes that he needed, and gave everything else to the poor. He was known for his humility and generosity.
Generosity...
‘Tis the season to be generous. Advertisements tell us what to buy and where to buy it. Mailings tell us what to send and where to send it. Outreach projects tell us what to give and where to give it. During the holidays, generosity doesn’t need a lot of definition. But how about a little reflection?
Put some faces on generosity. How about Santa Claus? What does Santa give? Presents, of course—toys, games, clothes.
How about Jesus? What did Jesus give? Presence, of course. He visited people who were sick. He spoke to people who were poor. He forgave people who had sinned. Now look in the mirror and put your own face on generosity. How does it look? What do you give to others? What can you give?
December is a busy month. It’s tough to find the money and the time to give all the presents that we would like to give. This month, try to find a balance of both.
Remember, generosity isn’t seasonal. Throughout the year, there are generous amounts of opportunities to be generous. Look for them and be generous. Give your time, talent, and treasure to those in need.
Generous Gifts of Gold!
During this month, be generous with your time, talent, and treasure. For this activity, you will need some yellow construction paper, a Christmas stocking, a pen, and of course, a generous heart. Make some “gold coins” by tracing and cutting several 3-inch circles out of the yellow paper. Label one-third with “time,” one-third with “talent,” and one-third with “treasure.” Hang the stocking in a visible place, and put the coins and a pen near it.
As a family and as individuals, be aware of opportunities to be generous, and be generous in those opportunities. Whenever you give of your time, talent, or treasure, write what you have done on a coin, and put it in the stocking.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, empty the stocking and share what you have done. Generosity will be your family’s gift to the Christ-child.
Family Prayer for Generosity
Generous Lord, help us to be givers, not takers. Help us to experience the joy of giving. May we look for every opportunity to give of our time, our talents, our money, our possessions, our thanks, compliments, healing words, hugs, smiles, a helping hand, or a listening ear. Help us to give out of full hearts, and even nearly empty hearts if the need be. Bless us, that we may be wise stewards of your many gifts. We pray this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
