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 111(112):1-2,5-9
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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The grain of wheat
“Thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap.” In today’s first reading, St Paul tells us that when we are generous, we reveal God’s heart. He generously provides us, the sowers, with seeds of resources, ideas, and opportunities. He also grants us the grace, timing, and strength to use them wisely. As we sow faithfully through kindness, generosity, and service, let us trust God to sustain and multiply our efforts.
In the Gospel, Jesus talks about a grain of wheat that brings life through self-giving. The grain must fall and die to grow; if it does not, it stays alone. The process of letting go is needed for growth and fruitfulness. To follow Jesus means letting go of self-preservation and instead focusing on loving and serving others. Today, let us follow the downward movement of the grain of wheat by giving our time to someone in need, forgiving those who have wronged us and showing care to others. Trust that God will make our small yes to love meaningful.
Reflective question:
How can I choose to love rather than focus on protecting myself?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
