CSA REFLECTION — A superabundance of generosity

“For in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)

It was a little past midnight in the town of Egume, Nigeria, when Theresa got up to answer a knock at the door. She had been waiting on her husband, Vincent, who had never been this late for dinner.

But it wasn’t Vincent knocking. Earlier that evening, he had been knocked off his motorbike by a hit-and-run driver, and died at the scene. Her entire life unraveled as she struggled to absorb the news.

Along with little Ambrose, whom she was nursing, they had three other children: Victor, Eleojo and Anthony. She was a schoolteacher.

Theresa always considered herself blessed with an abundance of cheerfulness and energy, along with a generous heart. But how was she going to support a family on her own?

Some matters of life fall within our power to solve, and some belong to God.

She continued to chair the Catholic Women’s Organization, which involved representing her parish at diocesan and national conferences.

She continued the couple’s commitment to feed the seminarians posted at their parish. Many have been ordained priests in the Diocese of Idah who were beneficiaries of that apostolate.

Her funeral a few years ago was a gathering of the entire diocese; an indication of how far and wide her giving had touched lives. All her kids graduated from college. Her daughter, Eleojo, went on to become a nun.

How did Theresa succeed in balancing her burning desire to give to the Church with the demands of a single mom?

She went out of her way to make time for God. Is it surprising that God “made time” for her?

The Christian is never “Fatherless”; nor can it be that Theresa’s Father in Heaven would be forgetful of His duties to His children.

Undue anxiety about tomorrow implies distrust in the Father’s capacity to undertake what He has promised to do.

“Seek first the kingdom [of God] and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)

Fr. Abah is pastor of St. Peter parish in Fulton and St. Jude Thaddeus parish in Mokane.