aug 10 2006
Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
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.
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.
Reading II 2 Pt 1:16-19 Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
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.”
I must be open to giving my life willingly to God. With the sacrifice of the lose of my life comes the reward of belonging totally to God. If I am willing to let go of what I personally cling to there are great treasures with eternal life which is the bountiful harvest after the single grain of wheat dies. I pray this morning for a willing and cheerful heart in giving to the Lord.
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.
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.
Reading II 2 Pt 1:16-19 Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
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.”
I must be open to giving my life willingly to God. With the sacrifice of the lose of my life comes the reward of belonging totally to God. If I am willing to let go of what I personally cling to there are great treasures with eternal life which is the bountiful harvest after the single grain of wheat dies. I pray this morning for a willing and cheerful heart in giving to the Lord.
posted by Joan Morris at 6:30 AM
