Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

In other words, everything starts small. When you wonder why people are so forgiving and generous, they all started small. On the other hand, when you have people who can steal billions of pesos? For sure they started small. From a thought, it ends up a destiny.

The same is true with the Word of God in our lives. It will truly make an effect on our lives when we live it out. Take for example Giving. St. Paul says: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

In the parish, you would encounter parishioners daydreaming and saying, “Father, if I win the lotto, I will give 10 percent to the Church.” This brings a smile to my face, not because of the person’s unfulfilled generosity but because I know this will never be fulfilled. Specifically, if you know that the person never gives, whether time, talent, or treasure, he will never give even if he wins the Lotto. 

Hence how do we apply the parable of the seeds for us to be more giving:

• First, the seed that fell on the path. These are the ones told by the devil, “Why give when times are hard?” 
• Second, the seed fell on the rocky ground. These are the ones who are inspired to hear all the teachings about giving but do not live it out. 
• Third, the seed fell on the thorns. These are people who would rather save for a rainy day or buy staff that they have no need of. 

In today’s Mass, we must remember it all starts small. We can only do this:

• First, when we know that love gives a cheerful giver. The happiness giving brings is priceless. 
• Second, when we are contented. Do not compare yourself to others. Just be content with what you have. After all, happiness is an inside job.
• Third, the basis of eternal life: Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do unto me. 

Lord, teach me to be generous. To give without counting the cost.