GIFT OFFERING
In the Old Testament, God established gift offering as an integral part of worship and community support. Deuteronomy instructs: “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place which he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed; each shall bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you” (Deut 16:16-17). This principle of proportional giving reflects God’s desire for His people to acknowledge His blessings and contribute to the community’s well-being.
The wisdom literature further emphasizes the importance of honoring God with our resources. Proverbs 3:9-10 reminds us: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce; then will your barns be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” This passage highlights the spiritual and material benefits of generosity, suggesting that our offerings to God can lead to abundant blessings.
In ancient Israel, these offerings served multiple purposes:
1. Maintaining the tabernacle and later the Temple
2. Supporting the Levites who served in religious roles
3. Assisting the poor and vulnerable members of society
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 outlines a system of tithing that specifically addresses the needs of the community: “At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithes of your produce for that year and deposit them within your own communities, so that the Levite, who has no hereditary portion with you, and the resident alien, the orphan and the widow who belong to your community, may come and eat and be satisfied. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands.”
While the specific practices of Old Testament tithing are not binding on Christians today, the Catholic Church teaches that the principles of generosity and stewardship remain essential to our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities” (CCC 2043).
In the New Testament, St. Paul provides guidance on Christian giving that aligns with these principles: “On the first day of the week each of you should set aside whatever he can afford” (1 Cor 16:2). He further elaborates in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.”
The Catholic approach to gift offering and stewardship emphasizes:
1. Proportional giving based on one’s means
2. Cheerful and voluntary contributions
3. Trust in God’s providence and generosity
4. Supporting the Church’s mission and helping those in need
REFLECTION
As we consider the biblical teachings on gift offering and the Catholic understanding of stewardship, let us remember that our generosity reflects our faith and trust in God. We are called to be “rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share” (1 Tim 6:18). By giving freely and joyfully, we participate in God’s work of building His kingdom on earth. Let us prayerfully discern how we can best use our resources to honor God, support our faith community, and help those in need. In doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Christians but also open ourselves to the abundant blessings that come from a life of generosity and gratitude.