Daily Readings - Wed Aug 10 2022
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, self-sacrifice, and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our giving should be cheerful and generous, for God blesses those who give with an open heart. St. Paul emphasizes that when we sow abundantly, we reap abundantly, and God’s grace will provide us with everything we need to do good works. This passage is set in the context of the early Church, where believers were called to support one another and live out their faith through acts of kindness and generosity.
The Gospel takes us to a deeper level of sacrifice. Jesus uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit. He teaches that true life comes through self-giving love and that clinging to our own desires and comforts leads to loss. This passage is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse, where He prepares His disciples for His departure and calls them to follow Him in self-sacrificial love. Together, the readings remind us that living a life of faith requires both generosity and willingness to let go of our own will for the sake of others.
How do these readings apply to our daily lives? We are called to trust that when we give—whether time, resources, or love—God will multiply it in ways we cannot see. We are also reminded that true fulfillment comes not from holding onto our lives but from surrendering them to God’s plan. Let us ask ourselves: Am I giving freely and joyfully, or do I hold back out of fear or selfishness? Am I willing to let go of my own desires to serve others and follow Christ? May we embrace the paradox of Christian life: that in giving, we receive, and in dying to self, we find true life.