The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081015.cfm) reminds me that God loves a generous and a cheerful giver.
We get what we give. The first reading tells us – “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.“ Treat it as an investment, the more you give, the more you invest, the more you can earn and receive back. This is how God works. He cannot be out given. He will definitely give you back more than what you give him, so the more you give him, the more you will receive from Him.
In the gospel, we see that as we give, we actually dont lose something. in fact, as we give, it is like we are planting a seed - a seed that can bear much fruit not only for others but for ourselves as well.
As we generously give, God also wants us to be cheerful and happy about it. “God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving is one thing – we can give if we feel obliged to, or forced to. Yes, it can still help others, even if it was given with a heavy heart… but that’s not what God wants. God does not only want us to give generously, he wants us to do so with a happy and cheerful heart. We should not think about what we will lose as we give to others, but be happy that we are able to share and bless others with what God has blessed us with.
How is your disposition towards giving? Do you regularly give to others your time, talent and treasure? How? How much do you give, generously or do you hold back and wait for the time till you feel you have more than enough before you give to others? What is your disposition when giving? Are you a cheerful giver?
Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for another week. thank you for reminding me that you want be to be a generous and cheerful giver. Thank you that your standards are not like the world’s, that my heart as I give is more important than the worldly value of what I offer. I thank you that even though I may not have a lot in the standards of the world, I just need to give generously of what I have, and I know this is more than enough for you, that you will magnify it so that it may help a lot of people and so that you may be glorified with my offering. And I thank you that as I give, I know I will receive more. Amen.
Blessed week!
In Christ,
-g-
ps
see related reflection:
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August 10, 2015
Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Lectionary: 618
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.
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.
Responsorial Psalm PS 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R. (5) Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Alleluia Jn 8:12bc
R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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.”
“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.”
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