Daily Readings - Wed Jun 21 2017
2 Corinthians
6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.9As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
Sermon
In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us of the timeless truth that our generosity is directly tied to the abundance we receive from God. He writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows with blessings shall also reap from blessings.” This passage is part of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthian community to contribute generously to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. He emphasizes that our giving should not be done out of obligation or sadness but with cheerfulness, for “God loves a cheerful giver.” Paul assures us that God is able to make every grace abound in us, so that we may always have what we need and even abound in good works.
This teaching is deeply rooted in the context of the early Christian Church, where caring for the poor was a central expression of faith. Paul’s words reflect the Jewish principle of tithing but elevate it to a spiritual level, emphasizing the interior disposition of the heart. The reading reminds us that our relationship with material goods is not just practical but profoundly spiritual. When we give generously and joyfully, we participate in God’s own generosity and allow His grace to flow through us to others.
In our daily lives, this passage calls us to reflect on how we view our resources, talents, and time. Do we hold them tightly, fearing scarcity, or do we trust in God’s providence and share them freely? Paul’s words invite us to live with open hands and open hearts, trusting that God will multiply the fruits of our justice and increase the growth of our generosity. Let us remember that true wealth is not in what we accumulate but in the love and thanksgiving we share with others. As we strive to live as cheerful givers, may we experience the abundant life that only God can provide.