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
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.
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.
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.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
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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To fall, die and give life
“…but if it dies it yields a rich harvest”. Jesus is the grain of wheat that chooses to fall into the earth and die so that others may have life in all its fullness. Today, Jesus calls us to follow His same path and be grains of wheat that fall into the ground and die to bear a rich harvest. What does it mean for us today?
We choose to fall into the grain and die to ourselves when we place ourselves at the service of others. It is by giving our time, talents, resources, etc. for the well-being of those around us that we ourselves become alive with God’s life and bring His fullness of life to them. However, it is important to give of ourselves with a cheerful heart, not resentment and anger. St. Paul said in the first reading, “God loves a cheerful giver”. May we serve and give ourselves to others cheerfully because we do everything out of our love for God.
Reflection question:
How can I be a “cheerful giver” today?
How can I be a “cheerful giver” today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
