Catholic Faithful have been told that charity, though begins at home; must come from the heart and not stop at home. The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun said this while delivering his reflection with the theme: “How much are you willing to share?” on Sunday 10th November 2024 in the parish.

The Chief Celebrant of the day’s Mass, Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ had earlier at the beginning of the Mass said the day’s readings were challenging Christians’ lives as to what they have that they would like to share.

Fr. Balogun, who said “All of us seated are rich” further asked the congregation how many of them slept under the bridge? how many of them put on rag? and how many of them came to Mass from hospital bed? added that “when you see people’s cases, you will realize that you’re rich.” Hence, Christians should cherish whatever they have.

The homilist encouraged parents to teach their children how to be charitable, else, they (parents) may suffer for it in future. “It begins from home. Some parents and grandparents are suffering today not because their children do not have but because they were not taught how to give.”

The Cleric added that the widows in the day’s readings did not start at old age but from childhood. ‘St. Teresa of Avila wrote clearly that, "The smallest thing, when done for the love of God, is priceless!" Hence, love should be a guiding principle in every act of giving/charity. It involves a total surrender; that is, letting go from the depths of your heart.’

The CAN Coordinator in Ona Ara LGA of Oyo State frowned at some who are wicked, selfish and stingy; describing such as what is killing us in the country today. “Many of us are wicked, selfish and stingy and that’s what is killing us.

To do charity is to please God. Christ gave us an example by dying for us. “Jesus Christ is the best example of giving. He gave himself entirely for the salvation of humanity. St. Paul says, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich". (2 Cor.8:9). As Christians, to do charity is to please God!!! God loves a cheerful giver. Therefore, if we truly love Jesus, we will love and accept the poor as they are, not as we feel they ought to be.”  

The two widows also gave us examples. Remember, you cannot take anything away and so, be charitable with the little you have, for no one is so poor that he/she cannot have something to give. “In our Scripture readings today (1 Kings 17:10-16; Mk.12:38-44) , we read about two widows (Widow of Zarephath and The widow who gave her last two pennies) who were poor, but very rich in heart and acts of giving. They sincerely and willingly gave from their poverty. They have taught us generosity and kindness! Indeed, "Love does not calculate." They did not count what they were giving away. They felt the pinch of giving away.

In fact, they gave up what they needed most for survival. They offered all voluntarily.” He therefore, urged Christians to do same.

The Parish Priest appreciated the Chief Celebrant, Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ for accepting to celebrate the day’s Mass and also thanked Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ, Seminarians, Rev. Sisters and parishioners that attended the Harvest Thanksgiving of the Outstations at Gbedu, the previous Sunday. He reminded all too, that the following Sunday will be the Harvest Thanksgiving of St. Faustina Catholic Church, Amuloko, urging all to support the station as well.