1ST READING
Another
aspect of giving that God looks for in our lives is that we do so
cheerfully. A reluctant giver does not have the same level of grace and
blessing at work in his life as he does not love to the degree that he
could. In some respects, if we cannot give freely and joyfully perhaps
we should not give at all. This would be an over-reaction as we have a
duty to give — both for the support of the Church and its ministers, as
well as for the Church’s social programs.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
6 Brothers and sisters: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 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. 9 As it is written: “He
scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 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. 11 You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.
P S A L M
Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 9
R: Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
1 Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. 2 His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (R) 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. 4 Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus
warns us that one aspect of holiness is that it never seeks to draw
attention to itself. This is also true in how we give for the work of
the Church or any other cause. If we seek to draw attention to
ourselves, Jesus tells us we receive our reward here on earth; however,
if we do it without focusing on ourselves, we reserve for ourselves far
greater blessings in heaven. After all, the wealth of blessings we have
now are a gift from God in the first place.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
1 Jesus
said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in
order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense
from your heavenly Father. 2 When
you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do
in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I
say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 When
you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in
the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I
say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But
when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your
Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so
that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is
hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
think:
We have a duty to give — both for the support of the Church and its
ministers, as well as for the Church’s social programs.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
____________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_
_____________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Kings 13-15
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