Genesis 13:2, 5-18 / Matthew 7:26, 12-14
It is said that opportunity knocks only once. And when it knocks, we should be quick to grab it, otherwise it will be gone for good.
But when only one opportunity presents itself to more than one person at the same time, then the competition will become greater to see who gets the opportunity first.
So the one who is stronger, faster and smarter will get it, and many a times the competition will get hostile and violent.
In the 1st reading, there was a dispute between Abraham and Lot. From that dispute we could see the character of each of them.
Although Abraham was older, he let Lot, who is his nephew, make the choice of the land. And Lot, pouncing on the opportunity took the choice lands.
But because of his generosity and his humility, God blessed Abraham and whatever he owned.
That act of Abraham reminds us that our generosity towards others will not be overlooked by God.
Because at times, we feel that we are giving to the dogs what is holy and throwing our pearls in front of pigs and we feel that we get trampled upon and taken advantage of.
But God sees; God knows; and He will give us what is holy and what is eternal - His love for us. Not just once but many times over and overflowing from our hearts and onto others.