Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 10, 2021
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9.6-10
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;)
Psalm 112
1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.8His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.10The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Gospel: John 12.24-26
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 transformative power of generosity and self-giving love. The Second Reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our generosity is not just about what we give, but how we give. Paul encourages us to give cheerfully, knowing that God provides abundantly so that we can abound in good works. This passage is part of Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians to contribute generously to the collection for the Jerusalem church, emphasizing trust in God’s providence and the joy of giving.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus teaching His disciples about the necessity of self-sacrifice. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus explains that true life comes through dying to oneself. This passage is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse, where He prepares His disciples for His departure and calls them to follow His example of service and love. Both readings converge on the theme of surrender and generosity, whether it be material resources or one’s very life.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine how we give—whether it is with hesitation or with openness of heart. Jesus’ words remind us that true discipleship requires a willingness to let go of our own desires for the sake of others. As we strive to follow Christ, may we embrace the grace of generosity, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and bring forth abundant fruit. Let us pray for the courage to give freely, knowing that in surrendering our lives to God, we find true life and eternal reward.