ST. LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR
Psalter: Proper / (Red)
Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
1st Reading: 2 Cor 9:6-10
Remember: the one who sows meagerly will reap meagerly, and there shall be generous harvests for the one who sows generously.
Each of you should give as you decided personally, and not reluctantly, as if obliged. God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to fill you with every good thing, so that you have enough of everything, at all times, and may give abundantly for any good work. Scripture says: He distributed, he gave to the poor, his good works last forever. God, who provides the sower with seed, will also provide him with the bread he eats. He will multiply the seed for you and also increase the interest on your good works. Become rich in every way, and give abundantly. What you give will become, through us, a thanksgiving to God.
For this sacred relief, after providing the saints with what they need, will result in much thanksgiving to God.
Gospel: Jn 12:24-26
Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world save it even to everlasting life. Whoever wants to serve me, let him follow me; and wherever I am, there shall my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Reflections
Those who love their life destroy it
The Gospel of Jesus is paradoxical: fruitfulness requires falling and dying. Holding on to life leads to death; letting go leads to everlasting life.
All these exemplify kenosis — self-emptying — which Jesus embodies. The eternal Word empties itself in order to become human. Jesus of Nazareth empties himself in healing the sick and feeding the hungry. Our Lord empties his life on the cross for our salvation.
In contrast we instinctively do not want to be emptied, but rather filled-in. We want to possess, rather than let go. We want to be in control, rather than be led.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
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