4 Mar – Memorial for St. Casimir
Casimir (1458-1484) was a 15th century Polish prince who became Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1471. He was third in line for the throne.
Hungarian nobles had prevailed upon Casimir’s father to send his 15-year-old son to be their king. Casimir obeyed, taking the crown, but refusing to exercise power. His army was outnumbered, and his troops deserted because they were not paid. Casimir returned home, and was a conscientious objector from that time on.
He returned to prayer and study, maintained his decision to remain celibate even under pressure to marry the emperor’s daughter. He reigned briefly as king during his father’s absence.
He lived a highly disciplined, even severe life, sleeping on the ground, spending a great part of the night in prayer, and dedicating himself to lifelong celibacy. He had a great devotion to Mary, supported the poor, and lived a virtuous life amid the dissolute court.
- Patron Saint Index
Ecc 35:2-15
Mk 10:28-31
Give to the Most High as he has given to you…
Have you ever attended a ‘Secret Santa’ party where some givers put in much time and effort to choose a present specially for the intended recipients, while others give supermarket vouchers or worse, a haphazardly re-gifted present? Doesn’t seem fair does it? Yet, how often do we treat our giving to God the same way — offering Him the crumbs of our time, energy or attention while keeping the prime cut for ourselves?
In Ecclesiasticus, we are reminded that true worship isn’t just about making offerings but rather, the sincerity and justice behind them. The passage begins by telling us that keeping God’s commandments is like offering a great sacrifice, and doing good works is like making the best possible offering. Our everyday actions — kindness, honesty and faithfulness — are gifts to God. It is not about what we give but how we live.
Then comes an important reminder — “Do not offer God a bribe, for He will not accept it!”. We might not say it out loud but sometimes, we subconsciously treat God like a vending machine where we put in a few good deeds and expect instant blessings in return. But God doesn’t work that way. He looks at our hearts, not the size of our gifts.
On a practical level, are we generous with strangers but unkind to our own family? Do we donate to charity but underpay or overwork those who serve us? True generosity isn’t just about giving, but fairness in all areas of our lives. Next, do we start our day with prayer? Do we give God our best energy, and not just prayers squeezed in between social media scrolling. For Catholics, do we attend Sunday Mass out of habit or out of love?
Brothers and sisters, this passage invites us to examine not just what we give, but how we give. When we give — whether it’s our time, talents or treasure — let’s do so joyfully, without expecting something in return. Let’s be the ones who put in the effort to pick out a ‘Secret Santa’ present which the recipient will delight in. God doesn’t desire grand gestures nor extravagant sacrifices. In God’s eyes, a sincere and generous heart is the best offering.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Eber)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to give generously and joyfully, offering you my best in all that I do. May my heart be sincere and my actions be just in serving You and others.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for being a just and loving God, and for always seeing my heart beyond my offerings.
OXYGEN 
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