EdnaTheCreative

One thing I love about the Catholic Church, and one of the reasons I will remain a Catholic, is that nobody will sugarcoat things for you just to get money from you. The priest who said the homily today, when he got to the issue of our harvest, told us something that really made me proud. He said, "Give what you can afford. The country is hard. Do not bring your rent money, your children's school fees, your hospital bills or the money you have set aside for your business to give to the Church." He went further to explain that your rent money belongs to your landlord. The money for your hospital bills is meant to help you get better. Your children's school fees are for their future, and the money you have set aside for your business is what you intend to use to take care of your family. He said that extra money you have, the one you have kept aside after taking care of your responsibilities, is what you can bring as your offering. He reminded us that everybody's hands are not equal. Some people can give ₦1 million, some ₦500, and that is perfectly fine. You shouldn't see someone giving a particular amount and feel pressured to give the same amount when you know you cannot afford it. He even said that if you have checked yourself and realised that giving the amount you intend to give will put you in serious financial difficulty, please don't give it. Yes, God deserves a sacrifice, and giving should come from a sincere heart, but that doesn't mean you should put yourself and your family in financial trouble just to impress people in church. I was listening to this man and honestly, I was so proud. I know I don't usually attend other churches, but I've seen videos of pastors telling their members not to touch their tithe for anything, that no matter what, they must bring it to church. But here was a Catholic priest openly telling people not to bring their rent, children's school fees or hospital bills as offerings. This is one of the things I love about the Catholic Church. Nobody needs to put you under unnecessary pressure or make you feel that God will only bless you if you give beyond your means. I am proud to be Catholic. I will always remain a Catholic. ❤️

Or better still speak to your parish priest about your concerns rather than bring it here. The church belongs to all if us and there's room for improvement and amendment.