Gift Giving Economy

In yesterday’s Gospel taken from Luke 9:10-17, our Lord fed the multitude with the 5 loaves and 2 fish offered by the disciples. Our Savior rejected the market economy mentality prevalent through the “gospel” of capitalism. The market economy is one that promotes self-interest. Instead, our Lord promotes a “gift giving” economy. “You give them something to eat.” If we give, He will give back to us. If we give, He will bless us and bless others through that gift. When we give and put it into the hands of God, He multiplies it and blesses it for the glory of His name.
Although I didn’t mention this in the homily, as I prayed the Divine Liturgy, I noticed that in so many places the word “give” or “gave” is used to describe Christ’s actions toward us. Next time, pay attention to what our Savior teaches us through all that He gave us. He gave to us so that we might follow His example to give back to others.