First reading 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
God loves a cheerful giver
Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works. As scripture says: He was free in almsgiving, and gave to the poor: his good deeds will never be forgotten.
The one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide you with all the seed you want and make the harvest of your good deeds a larger one.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 111(112):1-2,5-9
Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons will be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honour.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
Gospel John 12:24-26
If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I tell you, most solemnly,
unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies,
it yields a rich harvest.
Anyone who loves his life loses it;
anyone who hates his life in this world
will keep it for the eternal life.
If a man serves me, he must follow me,
wherever I am, my servant will be there too.
If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’
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True joy comes from giving of ourselves
“Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, God loves a cheerful giver” (1st reading). How is our attitude when we give? We do not give out of obligation but because we are happy to give our time, resources, talents, etc, to others for their good. Moreover, our giving should come from a generous heart. Being generous is not about the amount we offer but our attitude when giving.
“Whoever serves me, must follow me…”. In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that if we truly want to serve Him, we must follow Him. The path He leads us implies the constant giving of ourselves to others, even if it entails suffering. Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Lawrence. He gave himself to serve God’s people, especially the poor. During the persecution of Emperor Valerian, he was sentenced to a painful death by being roasted. He did not lose his sense of humour and joy as he told his executioners, “I am done on this side. Turn me over”. May St Lawrence teach us to be generous in our giving and serving.
Reflective question:
What is God telling me in this time of prayer?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
