Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr
1st READING
St. Paul speaks of a reality that St. Lawrence and a few people have ever managed to live. He reminds us that in the end, the only thing that matters is our position that leads to eternal life. Thus, owning material possessions and seeking the applause and acclaim of the world will mean little when we die. From a spiritual point of view, what matters is often neglected or forgotten by the world.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
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.
PSALM
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
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) 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; 6 he shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance. (R) 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)
GOSPEL
The dying wheat grain is destroyed and broken in the process of germination. It grows into a mature plant and gives seed once it has reached its full potential. For plants, this is a seasonal process. But for humans, it is a lifetime work. Let us be open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and abundantly bear fruit.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
John 12:24-26
24 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. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Reflect: In what way is Jesus asking you to die to yourself? What are the fruits of dying to oneself?
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - 2 Maccabees 5-6
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