When we tithe or donate to the Church it's not really about keeping the lights on, funding a mission trip, supporting missionaries around the world, or even giving to the poor. When we give our money and talents to the Church, we offer our means directly to Jesus Christ through his Bride, the Church, for His Mission on Earth.

God gives us many opportunities to give our means to His will. It's what He desires for us. He calls us at the perfect moments to give in extraordinary ways, but He also calls us to give in consistent and manageable ways; week after week, month after month, year after year. The First reason for this is to give back to God the gifts He gives us so that we can participate in His Divine Will. The Second is to teach us how to manage wealth. Why have wealth without having a heart inclined towards generosity? The Third is because it's a deeper form of prayer with a tactile cause and effect. "God I don't just want to give You my heart. I want to give you my food, my clothing, my money, my house, my time."

Have you ever heard the phrase, "If you don't use it, you lose it?" We practice giving regularly, especially when it is hard, because one day there may be someone in incredible need, and God may call upon you to encounter that person. It will probably be hard to give what God is calling you to give, but if it is truly what God is calling you to do, don't you want to be able to rise to the occasion? And it'll be easier to do it when the time comes because you've already been practicing giving to God, even when it's hard.

So whether you give your time, talents, money, food, or clothing, know that it's not about you, or the parish, or even about the needy. We give to God so we can participate in His will. Because in the end, He will fulfill every need, comfort every sorrow, and right every wrong.

If you would like to read what the Bible says about these things, check out Matthew Chapter 25 (1-40): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2531=