Daily Readings - Sat Aug 10 2019
2 Corinthians
6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:9As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
John
24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
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.