Daily Readings - Sat Aug 10 2019
2 Corinthians
6But I say this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. And whoever sows with blessings shall also reap from blessings7each one giving, just as he has determined in his heart, neither out of sadness, nor out of obligation. For God loves a cheerful giver8And God is able to make every grace abound in you, so that, always having what you need in all things, you may abound unto every good work9just as it was written: "He has distributed widely, he has given to the poor; his justice remains from age to age.10And he who ministers seed to the sower will offer you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and will increase the growth of the fruits of your justice
John
24Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies25it remains alone. But if it dies, it yields much fruit. Whoever loves his life, will lose it. And whoever hates his life in this world, preserves it unto eternal life26If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there too my minister shall be. If anyone has served me, my Father will honor him
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of generosity, sacrifice, and the transformative power of self-giving love. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our generosity is not merely about what we give, but about the spirit in which we give. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives freely and joyfully, trusting in His providence. This passage encourages us to examine our hearts and ensure that our acts of charity and kindness are motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation or duty.
The Gospel from John deepens this reflection by presenting us with the paradox of life and death. Jesus teaches that the grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die in order to bear fruit. This is not only a reference to His own sacrifice on the cross but also a call to His followers to embrace a life of self-sacrifice and service. True discipleship, Jesus says, requires us to let go of our attachment to this world and to live for something greater. This does not mean rejecting life, but rather living it in a way that prioritizes love, humility, and the service of others.
Together, these readings challenge us to live with a spirit of generosity and self-giving. In our daily lives, this might mean being more attentive to the needs of others, whether through acts of charity, kindness, or simply being present for those around us. It also invites us to reflect on our own attachment to comfort and security, and to ask whether we are willing to “die” to our own desires for the sake of something greater. As we strive to live out this call, may we remember that true generosity and sacrifice do not lead to emptiness but to a life of abundant fruitfulness and eternal reward.