1ST READING
The blood of the martyrs is the seedbed of faith. Today we celebrate St. Lawrence who died as he was roasted on a grill by the Roman soldiers. We remember him today as a man of great faith and conviction. His death has indeed been the cause of much reflection and conversion. Let us seek to follow his example of faith so that our lives, too, will be used to bring others to Christ.
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.
P S A L M
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 prosperity 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 man 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
If we insist on being our own source of strength we will die and not rise from the dead. It is only those willing to die (with Christ) who will be raised from the dead. Just as a seed falls to the ground and dies as it germinates – it ceases to be a seed – it also sprouts forth new life and bears fruit once again. It is a difficult thing to die to oneself, but it is necessary if we want to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
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.”
think: It is a difficult thing to die to oneself, but it is necessary if we want to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Maccabees 7-8
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