Sow bountifully

Readings for Wednesday June 17, 2009

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18


Brothers and sisters, consider this: 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. (2 Cor. 9:6-8)

In today's first reading, Saint Paul tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. So, it seems as though God is not only delighted when we offer ourselves to Him, but also when we choose to be generous with the things that He has blessed us with; and when we choose to give support to the church and others. I truly pray that all of us take this message of giving to heart. It is always so frustrating to see updates in our parish bulletins that we are just barely making our budget. Our parish is in a rather prosperous and higher socioeconomic area, and it is just so sad to see the luxurious lifestyles that people are living, but also that our parish still has to struggle to make it's budget. It truly shows the priority of many of those in the parish. Now I am not saying that I have sold everything and have given it to the church, but I do know that tithing is a priority in our family, and God willing it will always be. But, I like most people can always do better.

Saint Paul not only tells us that God loves a generous giver, but also that those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully. Today is a great day to examine how much we are giving to God. Not just financially, but also with our time and talents. Yes, giving is not always easy, and it is especially difficult in these tough economic times. However, we must remember that "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." We must not worry too much about giving too much, for we must remember that God will always provide the things that we need. He is always there and He is always taking care of us.

Today, let us examine ourselves and ask ourselves if we are truly giving all that we can to God. May the Holy Spirit lead us to where we are needed and where we can help; and may we all begin to sow bountifully.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for this day. We pray that we can continue to trust in you Lord, and to follow your ways. Lord, may we not think of ourselves in our giving but only of you and of others. Lord, true love is not selfish, and we pray that our hearts can be open to loving you and seeking your will. We pray for all those who are storing up their riches on this earth, may they begin to understand that true happiness comes rather from storing up riches in heaven. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.