The Good Giving Series
is about the spiritual power of giving.
We will learn why and how Catholics are becoming better at joyful giving. All year, articles, emails, seminars and videos will be shared with parishioners about the art of financial sacrifice.
US Tax refund NEWS 2026
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A Surrender Story : Part I
He was irritated. For all the work he did during the day, he disliked giving away a portion of it. He was responsible for what he generated. He provided for his family and they enjoyed the benefits. To sacrifice a portion of it made him resentful. He would give, but it mustn’t be too valuable. Cain didn't like that feeling of surrendering his wealth. God had no regard for Cain’s faint intentions… And God literally told him so. However, it hurt Cain’s pride to be told to make a correct sacrifice. He was uncomfortable when God told him that to do otherwise kept bringing other sins closer to his own door. (Genesis 4:7) The idea of a proper offering in order to open his heart and become closer to God did not register with Cain. God said, however, this his brother’s gifts DID express gratitude and sincere sacrifice. Abel’s generosity of his finest first fruits were acceptable and shaped a closer love with God. As with other matters, Cain would have to take care of that situation… Of this story, Peter Kreeft, a Catholic theologian and philosophy professor (Boston College) reminds us: ….the self finds its identity (and happiness) only by self-forgetfulness, self- giving, and dying a little.” “Giving transforms ordinary life (time, suffering, relationships) into participation in divine love and redemption.”
(From his book: Jesus Shock)
He was irritated. For all the work he did during the day, he disliked giving away a portion of it. He was responsible for what he generated. He provided for his family and they enjoyed the benefits. To sacrifice a portion of it made him resentful. He would give, but it mustn’t be too valuable. Cain didn't like that feeling of surrendering his wealth. God had no regard for Cain’s faint intentions… And God literally told him so. However, it hurt Cain’s pride to be told to make a correct sacrifice. He was uncomfortable when God told him that to do otherwise kept bringing other sins closer to his own door. (Genesis 4:7) The idea of a proper offering in order to open his heart and become closer to God did not register with Cain. God said, however, this his brother’s gifts DID express gratitude and sincere sacrifice. Abel’s generosity of his finest first fruits were acceptable and shaped a closer love with God. As with other matters, Cain would have to take care of that situation… Of this story, Peter Kreeft, a Catholic theologian and philosophy professor (Boston College) reminds us: ….the self finds its identity (and happiness) only by self-forgetfulness, self- giving, and dying a little.” “Giving transforms ordinary life (time, suffering, relationships) into participation in divine love and redemption.”
(From his book: Jesus Shock)
A Giving Story #2
Sarah and her husband had wanted a baby. Their married years were filled with longing for a child.
So, when she, at 65 and her husband at 75 years old, received from God a hint that they would have a baby, Sarah laughed. Little did she know it would be 25 MORE years when she gave birth to their son Isaac. Her husband Abraham was 100! And she was a mother at 90.
Issac was their miracle baby. God’s promise was fulfilled.
One day, God told Abraham he was to take his beloved son and go up into the mountains and offer him as a burnt offering. He found the place and he bound Issac and prepared the wood for the fire and the knife for slaughter.
But the Angel of the Lord called out to Abraham. Abraham said, “Here I am”.
“Lay not a hand on the lad. For now I know that you fear God.” Abraham not only obeyed God, but he looked up and gave to God a gift. A ram, caught in the brambles, became a burnt offering to the Lord.
The unquestioned obedience and willingness to sacrifice at the behest of God was a great and glorious act of giving. And the Angel of the Lord spoke a second time: you did not withhold from God your beloved son. As a result of this faith, I will bless you and multiply your descendants.
And Sarah smiled.
What kind of trust did Abraham have for God to compel him to give in this way?
How do we learn to trust Him and give so unreservedly?
Sarah and her husband had wanted a baby. Their married years were filled with longing for a child.
So, when she, at 65 and her husband at 75 years old, received from God a hint that they would have a baby, Sarah laughed. Little did she know it would be 25 MORE years when she gave birth to their son Isaac. Her husband Abraham was 100! And she was a mother at 90.
Issac was their miracle baby. God’s promise was fulfilled.
One day, God told Abraham he was to take his beloved son and go up into the mountains and offer him as a burnt offering. He found the place and he bound Issac and prepared the wood for the fire and the knife for slaughter.
But the Angel of the Lord called out to Abraham. Abraham said, “Here I am”.
“Lay not a hand on the lad. For now I know that you fear God.” Abraham not only obeyed God, but he looked up and gave to God a gift. A ram, caught in the brambles, became a burnt offering to the Lord.
The unquestioned obedience and willingness to sacrifice at the behest of God was a great and glorious act of giving. And the Angel of the Lord spoke a second time: you did not withhold from God your beloved son. As a result of this faith, I will bless you and multiply your descendants.
And Sarah smiled.
What kind of trust did Abraham have for God to compel him to give in this way?
How do we learn to trust Him and give so unreservedly?
