An Offering
We do not have the opportunity to have readings from Sirach too often, so it might be a good idea to reread it. There are so many little pearls of wisdom in this reading.
If you have ever wondered what to give to the Lord for all He has given you this reading from Sirach is extremely helpful. The gospel is along the same theme. Whatever you have given up to the Lord will certainly be returned to you in abundance. The Lord cannot be outdone in generosity. When we make an offering to God with a sincere heart, your offering is acceptable, and then increased even more for those who need it. All this happening while the Holy Spirit works in your heart.
With all the graduations happening this time of year the sense of gratitude is abundant. Many people are receiving rewards for their generosity. Their sacrifice of years of offering what they have to help others. Others are being congratulated for their hard work to obtain a degree. Hours of sacrifice and hard work and offering themselves to make the achievement. And it is an achievement.
Jesus recognizes that if you want to follow Him you will need to make an offering to do so. Are you ready? Ready to offer yourself? Ready to offer everything you have?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen