The Jar Never Runs Dry

Lupit Church | Tiu Mai

November 10, 2024

Today, I chose to attend mass—not out of obligation, but because I knew my soul needed it. Every time I sit inside the church, it feels like the weight on my chest becomes easier to carry, like something within me is being slowly cleansed.

The homily was centered on humility and generosity, two virtues that often go hand in hand.

The priest spoke about the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17:8–16. Elijah, weary and hungry, asked a widow for food. The woman had only enough flour and oil left for one final meal, but in faith, she gave it anyway—believing that God would provide. And He did. Her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran dry.

That story hit home because something similar happened to me just last week.

I had just finished breakfast when I received a call from one of my employees, saying someone was looking for me at the office. I didn’t know who it could be—until I saw her.

It was an elderly woman I recognized from my childhood. She used to sell kakanin in front of my elementary school, and I had been one of her regular customers. I didn’t know then that her husband once worked for my Lolo Dad’s factory. Time passed, but she still sold her goods. Every now and then, I’d buy in bulk just to support her—giving the food away to my employees while she insisted on selling rather than simply receiving money.

This time, she came to ask for help. Her husband had passed, and her children could no longer support her. She needed money for medication. The truth was—I was struggling financially too. But I gave what I could.

Before she left, she tried to hand me pandesal in exchange for my help. I gently refused.
She smiled, and I felt something shift in me.

My heart was so full. It wasn’t me—it was God.

That moment reminded me: even when I feel like I have nothing, God still finds ways to give through me. And somehow, what I have left still becomes enough.

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After mass, we had dinner at Tiu Mai on La Salle Avenue. The table was full of food, laughter, and the kind of warmth that only family can bring.

I am truly blessed to belong to a family like this—a gift I will never take for granted.