In many Third World countries today, life is extremely difficult. In some places, only the strongest survive, making sharing a real challenge, as one cannot be sure of having enough for tomorrow. In such circumstances, giving becomes a true sacrifice, since those who share may not find others willing to do the same due to scarcity.
This context echoes the message in Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” The Gospel further illustrates this through Jesus and his disciples, who sacrificed their scarce time to teach the helpless crowd. Mark 6:31 records that they were so dedicated to serving others that “they had no time to eat.”
Why would Jesus and his disciples give so much of themselves? How would they regain what they had sacrificed? The responsorial psalm provides the answer: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
Beloved in Christ, let us learn to share—our food, clothing, time, talents, and money—because such sacrifices please God, our Shepherd, who will always provide for us. Shalom.
