From the Desk of the D.R.E – 5th Sunday of Lent

How long has it been since you were a small child and a beloved adult held your hand? Picture in your mind being a small child again. Grab the hand of your most beloved person. Walk hand in hand. Hold that thought.

I have a confession: I was a “dollar in the plate” giver for many years. I regret the good I did not do. I made excuses: We’re not rich. We’re generous with our time and talent. The economy isn’t fair. I need to pay off debt. I’ll give later. I need my money.

Helping with PreCana (marriage prep) days changed me. The presenter couples shared stories of giving back to God and God always having their back. One couple decided to give more at church. Then the dryer died. With small children, laundry was constant. They would have to give less, to buy a dryer. Then the phone rang: someone was moving, and had an extra dryer. Did they need one? Another couple went from financial ruin to debt free with Dave Ramsey, who advises giving a Biblical tithe (ten percent) because, “the money’s not mine.”

These couples were so joyful to build up God’s Kingdom on earth, to do good with their money! They didn’t give with strings attached, but freely out of gratitude. They shared Scriptures that convicted me: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Psalm 24:1 and “Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-11

The fifth precept of the Church is “Help provide for the needs of the Church.” God’s math is too big to fit on my budget spreadsheet. Since I started tithing several years ago, I’ve seen Him provide for me and my children in unexpected ways again and again. My tithe check is my favorite check to write. My little hand is in His big hand, and I love walking with Him.

Please keep Fr. Arisman in your prayers as he has the honor of being the Spiritual Director for Cursillo #359 this weekend. Pray that the Holy Spirit guides Fr. Arisman and all of the men on this journey.

Pax et Bonum

Elizabeth Alonzo