Daily Readings - Fri Aug 10 2018
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, sacrifice, and the transformative power of self-giving love. The Second Reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our actions have consequences: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows with blessings shall also reap from blessings.” Paul emphasizes that true giving is not about obligation or sadness but about cheerful generosity. This passage is part of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to contribute to the collection for the Jerusalem church, teaching them that God’s grace multiplies our efforts when we give with joy and trust in His providence.
The Gospel from John takes us deeper into the mystery of sacrifice. Jesus says, “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it yields much fruit.” These words, spoken in the context of His own approaching death, reveal the paradox of Christian life: to gain eternal life, we must let go of our attachment to this world. Jesus is not calling us to hatred of life but to a willingness to surrender our selfish desires for the sake of love. This is the path to true fruitfulness.
Together, these readings remind us that Christian life is rooted in both generosity and sacrifice. Paul calls us to open our hearts and resources to others, trusting that God will abundantly provide for our needs. Jesus invites us to embrace the mystery of self-giving love, knowing that true life comes from surrendering ourselves for the sake of others. In our daily lives, this means being willing to step out of our comfort zones, to share what we have, and to love without counting the cost. Let us ask for the grace to live this way, trusting that our acts of love and sacrifice will bear fruit far beyond what we can imagine.