The Grace of Generosity

Homily for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

When St. Paul thanks the Corinthians for their generosity—it's not just flattery. He specifically commends them for their willingness to give financial support to the believers in Jerusalem who were experiencing hardship and poverty.

This collection for the Jerusalem church was a major project Paul organized across several Gentile congregations. In 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, he speaks warmly about generosity as a reflection of Christian love and unity, using the Macedonian churches as an example to encourage the Corinthians to complete their own promised contribution. He presents generosity as both a grace and a response to grace. He starts by highlighting the Macedonians, who gave even beyond their means. Their example wasn’t meant to guilt the Corinthians but to inspire them: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor…” St. Paul is demonstrating how Jesus’ self-giving becomes the ultimate model for Christian giving. It was more than just charity—it was symbolic. This giving was a way for Gentile believers to express solidarity with Jewish Christians, bridging cultural divides and showing the universality of the faith.

No one likes to beg. This was certainly true of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. However, St. Paul, a Pharisaic Jew himself, sees it as an ancient version of crowdfunding for a cause that had spiritual and social significance. He also weaves in themes of equality and reciprocity—suggesting that the Corinthians, who were more prosperous at the time, could support others now, and that roles might reverse in the future. This mutual care was part of how the early Christian movement envisioned itself: one body, many parts, all interconnected.

Christ’s generosity to us continues to this day by giving himself in the Eucharist. As we leave here today, we would do well to look for opportunities to share that love.