Daily Readings - Sat Aug 10 2019
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.
John
24Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the 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.