Daily Readings - Thu Aug 10 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.
John
24I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.25The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
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 generosity is not just about giving material resources but also about the spirit in which we give. St. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver and that when we give freely and joyfully, He multiplies our efforts, providing us with everything we need to do good works. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s abundance and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and openness.
The Gospel from John takes this idea a step further by linking generosity to self-sacrifice. Jesus uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit. He teaches us that true life comes not from clinging to ourselves and our comforts but from surrendering our lives for the sake of others. This is the heart of discipleship: following Christ means embracing a life of service and love, even when it requires sacrifice. Jesus promises that those who lose their lives for His sake will find true, eternal life.
These readings call us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living with a spirit of generosity and self-giving love? Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we hold back, fearing scarcity? Jesus’ words remind us that our lives are not our own but are meant to be offered in service to others. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to be “cheerful givers” in every sense—whether through our time, talents, or resources. By doing so, we not only reflect God’s love but also become instruments of His grace in the world. May we trust in His promise that our sacrifices will bear fruit, both in this life and in the life to come.