Fr. Placide Elia, Mill Hill Missionary
Are we born with generous hearts, or do we learn to give as we journey through life?
Perhaps generosity is a seed planted by God in every human heart, a seed that needs to be nurtured, watered and given the opportunity to grow.
A few days ago, I found myself reflecting on this question during a visit to communities in Karamoja, together with the Friends of Mill Hill. We had travelled to parishes where our Mill Hill missionary brothers are serving, carrying with us some food and other small contributions for the communities who are currently battling a severe food crisis.
The experience was deeply touching. What we carried did not seem like much. Yet, as we met the people and witnessed something of their daily reality, I began to see our little contribution differently. What seemed small in our hands could mean a great deal to someone who has very little and communicate something much deeper.
The experience stayed with me long after we left. It made me think about the many things we possess and often take for granted. Sometimes we throw away food because we have more than we need. We put aside clothes and other useful items because they are no longer important to us. We may even pass by someone in need without asking ourselves whether there is something, however small, we could share.
And then another question came to mind: Why are we sometimes afraid to give?
Are we afraid that helping the poor will somehow take away our own opportunities? Do we fear that if we give something away, we will have less for ourselves? Or have we simply forgotten how to share?
As Christians, we are constantly taught to feed the hungry, clothe those in need, welcome the stranger, and shelter the homeless. Jesus Himself tells us;
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
But we must honestly ask ourselves: Do we really live these words?
Giving does not necessarily mean giving money. Sometimes generosity begins with what is already within our hands. We can give food, clothes, time, attention, encouragement, and love. We can visit the sick, listen to someone who is lonely, support a struggling family, or share what we no longer need.
The poor are not our competitors. Their need is not a threat to what we have. Rather, their presence invites us to rediscover our humanity and, for us as Christians, to recognize Christ in the person standing before us.
Before throwing something away, perhaps we can pause and ask: Could this still be useful to someone? Before saying, “I have nothing to give,” perhaps we can ask: What little thing do I have that could bring joy or relief to another person?
The visit to Karamoja reminded me that generosity is not measured only by the size of our gift and that I do not need to be rich to make a difference. I only need a heart willing to love
What is little in our hands can become a great blessing in someone else’s life. And perhaps that is where the seed of generosity begins; not with having more, but with learning to share what we already have.
As St Paul reminds us:
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
May our hearts remain open, our hands ready to share, and our eyes attentive to those who have less. And may we never underestimate what a blessing the small in our hands can be in the life of someone else.
