Daily Readings - Sat Aug 10 2019
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 first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our generosity is not merely about what we give, but about the spirit in which we give. Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives freely and joyfully, trusting in His providence. This passage encourages us to examine our hearts and ensure that our acts of charity and kindness are motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation or duty.
The Gospel from John deepens this reflection by presenting us with the paradox of life and death. Jesus teaches that the grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die in order to bear fruit. This is not only a reference to His own sacrifice on the cross but also a call to His followers to embrace a life of self-sacrifice and service. True discipleship, Jesus says, requires us to let go of our attachment to this world and to live for something greater. This does not mean rejecting life, but rather living it in a way that prioritizes love, humility, and the service of others.
Together, these readings challenge us to live with a spirit of generosity and self-giving. In our daily lives, this might mean being more attentive to the needs of others, whether through acts of charity, kindness, or simply being present for those around us. It also invites us to reflect on our own attachment to comfort and security, and to ask whether we are willing to “die” to our own desires for the sake of something greater. As we strive to live out this call, may we remember that true generosity and sacrifice do not lead to emptiness but to a life of abundant fruitfulness and eternal reward.