God Loves a Cheerful Giver
from St Mark Sermons Hosted by St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church
The sermon, titled "God Loves a Cheerful Giver," reflects on the feeding of the multitude, focusing on the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish to Jesus. Fr Pishoy draws out the idea that the child gave willingly and joyfully, and Christ multiplied that small gift. The homily connects this to the poor widow's two coins, emphasizing that true giving is measured not by quantity but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. The sermon broadens to describe a historical shift in how Christian communities approach charity: from top-down handouts, to sharing meals as equals, to recognizing that the poor and marginalized have wisdom and dignity to offer the community in return. Citing King David's example of giving willingly to build God's house, the priest stresses teaching children generosity from an early age, modeled by parents' own willing giving of time and resources. The New Testament, unlike the Old Testament's required tithe, calls for giving freely from the heart. The message closes by tying charity to the upcoming Lenten virtues of fasting, prayer, and charitable work.
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