Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 10, 2022
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 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.