When I was a young boy in Burlington, Vermont, my dad had a good friend named Phil who owned a sporting goods store. I loved sports, so meandering the treasure-filled aisles was an unmitigated joy. One afternoon, we were shopping for a baseball glove. Dad said to me, “Hey Johnny, see that man who just walked into the store? That’s Phil.” I remember being fascinated and a little terrified.

Dear Family of God,

Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” The autumn leaves are reminding us not only that winter is near but that life in this world is temporary, and death is certain. Our Liturgical Cycle B is ending, and we will start a new liturgical calendar in two weeks.

With our readings this week focusing on two widows giving to provide for the need of a prophet (or the temple), it naturally raises questions about the practice of tithing. Are Catholics obliged to tithe? If so, how much? And, how should we think about tithing?

Although tithing is traditionally understood to give 10% of your gross income (5% percent to your local parish, and 5% to charitable causes) the Church does not specify how much –or what percentage – a person should give to the Church.

How do we practice in our lives the first and greatest commandment?

Obedience to God is the proof of our love for God. Jesus said: “If you love me, you will do what I commanded you.” For some of us it is not just following the Law, if we want to be perfect, as Jesus said to rich man, “Go sell all your possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and come follow me.” This is the great challenge that Jesus offering to all of us today.