I know many people who contribute ten percent or more of their income to the Church or other charitable works. There are people who even give ten percent of what they get by working overtime On the contrary there are also those who don't give even a rupee for God's work or to their brethren.

"God puts His seal on the alms given by man"(Sirach 17:22). The seal is the emblem of authority and respect. So we can see how and when man's wealth will earn respect and recognition. Our heavenly Father who provides us with everything, values immensely what we give out of love. Our gift gives Him joy and glory. Moreover, God is immensely pleased when He sees His children lovingly and at the cost of great sacrifice sharing what they have with each other. Giving till the last is a divine attribute. He was ready to sacrifice His divine glory, His divinity and His Omnipotence for the sake of His dear children.

God does not need our wealth. But it pleases Him and gives Him glory to see His children loving each other and sharing the gift He Himself has given. Not only that, He desires it to be so. We should share all the gifts of God: knowledge, ability, authority, health, time, spiritual charisms, etc. We don't have anything that has not been given by God. So God has a right to ten percent of all we have, which must be shared among His other children who are our brothers.

When that is done our Heavenly Father, who gave up His own beloved Son in order to redeem the world, will be greatly glorified; He will be proud of His children. When He sees our generosity and large-heartedness he will give again ten times what we give. When we give to others we imitate God and manifest the character of our Heavenly Father. This is the secret why those who give continue to receive. The prophet Malachi clearly states this. "Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things"(Mal.3:10).

On the occasion of this Christmas and New Year let us remember and firmly hold on to this truth. God gives in overflowing measure to those who give. Indeed He will give a full measure, a generous helping pressed down into our hands. The more we give the more we shall receive. If we can just overcome our greed and selfishness we shall prosper. There is no greater joy in anything than in giving to the Lord. By giving according to our ability, let us earn endless blessings. May the Infant born in the stable enable us to give all to all.