Homily -- Monday, Lent 2

Do you remember the days when flour was not pre-sifted? I have vivid memories of learning to cook in our old kitchen.
In order to measure two cups of flour, it was necessary first to sift it. I was always astonished that you could get so much more in the large measuring cup after the flour was sifted.
Then, you took the cup and shook it and banged it gently on the counter, and the flour would settle, creating more space at the top of the cup.
Then and only then could you get a "true measure:'

This is the image in today's gospel.
The Greek word Luke uses for measure refers to a standard for generosity, as opposed to a word for judgment.
The gospel is not about giving the minimum we think we can get away with, and not about making it look like a full cup of flour, even if it isn't.
The invitation is to give a full and generous measure, more than is necessary.
However, we cannot give with the expectation it will be given back "in kind:'
God's promise is that if we give generously, we will be rewarded as generously as we gave.
That reward can take many forms, but most generous people will be quick to tell you that they always "get far more than they give" from any of their charitable activities.

That is the source of the promise of God.

Practice: Does your day involve any kind of measuring? Each time you pick up a ruler or a cup, or measure out space on a document on your computer, ask yourself how you are measuring up in generosity today.