Daily Readings - Wed Jun 21 2017
2 Corinthians
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in 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.