SATURDAY, EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Feast of Saint Lawrence
2 Cor 9: 6-10 Ps 112: 1-2, 5-9 Jn 12: 24-26
SOWING AND HARVESTING
The theme of losing on earth and gaining in eternity is beautifully presented in both the readings.
The Proportion of Sowing and Harvesting: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully” (2 Cor 9:6). Those who sow generosity will reap generosity. We cannot expect a harvest of abundance after sowing sparingly. The law of nature is also applicable to the type of seeds. If we sow the seeds of anger, jealously, gossips etc we will harvest the fruits of those seeds.
Reason for Sufficiency: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8). Why did God give us material abundance and sufficiency? It is given, to show generosity to those in need. The people around us are in need, not only financially and materially, but also in need of our spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual support. The only reason of having more is so that we can share more.
Cheerfulness in Giving: How much should I give? The focus here is on external quantity, But, we should rather ask, How do I give? The focus is on our internal disposition. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). Remember, Jesus praised the widow. How happy are we, while spending our time for the growth of the Kingdom of God and at the service of the people in need even at the expense of our own inconveniences?
The Eternal Reward for Loosing Oneself: One cannot be productive until he loses himself like the little grain of seed in the ground. Those who give up their life for the cause of the gospel will be rewarded and honoured by the Father himself eternally. The saint of the day, St Lawrence, is an excellent example for a life which was kept safe for eternal life by losing it here on earth.
Response: It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends.
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