“No matter how rich you are, you will still need the help of someone at a particular point in time. And no matter how poor you may be, you will still have something to give. Giving is all about having a mindset of charity.” Those were the words of Rev. Gabriel Azeez during his homily at St. Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi, Ibadan on the Seventeenth Sunday in the Ordinary Time Year B.

The homilist said the teaching of the day is centred on giving. That the secret of having is in giving. "Anyone that needs anything from the Lord must master the acts of charity.

Giving is not all about money. Using your time and talent to serve others is also a charitable act. Your words of encouragement and admonition at the right time can go a long way in helping others." 

The Deacon used the examples in the readings of the day as a case study. How the man from Baal-Shalishah gave Elisha twenty loaves of barley and how the prophet used it to feed hundreds of men according to the first reading.

He as well pointed to the generosity of the lad in the gospel reading that gave out his five loaves of bread and two fish. And how Jesus used it to feed multitudes of people. "The second reading captured it with unity.

If you are united with your brethren, you will love them. If you love them, you will know how to put smile on their faces when they are in need of help. All these are charitable acts."

"No one who partners with the Lord will lack nor suffer hunger. This is a promise in Psalm 34:10. You cannot give people in need and God will not bless you in multiple folds. Stop giving your money to betting companies. The only sure bet is God. Place your bet with God. Help people for Christ's sake. Try and help the person in dire need of assistant and see how God will bless and reward your generosity."