Homily for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

In Jesus' time, people who gave generously often did so with the expectation of a return. Giving to others was seen as putting them in your debt; it was a cultural norm. Our own culture is not so different, and we, too, struggle with selfless giving. However, Jesus challenges this cultural norm of giving to receive.

The love He calls for, devoid of any self-seeking, is a rare and precious treasure; it is how God loves. God's love is extended even to the ungrateful and the wicked; it is not given with the expectation of receiving in return. 

Can we mirror God's love and giving in our own lives? The world may view this as foolishness, assuming we will be left with nothing. Yet, if we give in this God-like way, we will receive God's grace with abundance. 

Let us embrace the profound treasure of Jesus' message and make it our own.