more than a giver of gifts

“My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” (SIR 3: 17) 

How often our love stops at the level: “a giver of gifts”: I bring money, I provide a good service to my relatives, I take care of their food, laundry, rooms, activities, and so I am done. I did what others expected from me. The road from “a giver of gifts” to “a giver of self” goes through humility, gentleness and respect. When we think about others as people they need to make us happy, we are missing the importance of marriage love (and all kinds of love actually). The true love comes from humility; I want to change myself to make you happier.

“Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Gospel Acclamations)