Reading 1
2 Cor 9:6-10
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Gospel
Jn 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Meditation: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Paul had taken up a collection for the church in Jerusalem. Besides providing material aid to the church there, he wanted to demonstrate the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the whole church. This was a crucial point for the first believers, as the animosity between Jews and non-Jews was rooted in centuries-old prejudices. Paul told the Corinthians that their less-wealthy brothers and sisters in Macedonia had given generously to Jerusalem. Now it was their turn to demonstrate their love and support.
Paul’s rationale for giving was simple: If you have plenty, you should be willing to give abundantly. Give without worrying about the cost, and give as the Spirit prompts, “without sadness or compulsion.” Why such open abundance? Because “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He knew that in God’s economy, giving, not acquiring, is the key. Our Father is the ruler of the whole universe; he is more than able to provide for our needs.
Today is the feast of St. Lawrence, a deacon in the early church who had charge over the poor in Rome. He is venerated because he was martyred for his refusal to hand over to the emperor the money that was given to support the needy. Lawrence was a cheerful giver indeed—to the point of making lighthearted statements of faith and trust in God even as he was being put to death.
Both Paul and Lawrence tell us that if God has given us any gift at all, we should use it up for others. Even if we feel inadequate or lacking in the resources we need, we should just ask, and our generous Father will not fail us.
So if God has given you the gift of hospitality, lavish it on your neighbors and fellow parishioners. If he has given you a gift of compassion, spend it on the lowly and suffering. If he has given you a gift of light-heartedness like Lawrence, spend it on the people around you. Sow as bountifully as you can, and you will reap even more bountifully!
“Father, all gifts come from you. Show me how to be generous today and to share everything that you have so graciously given me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment