Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 10, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Brothers and sisters: 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. As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today comes to us from Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians. In it, Paul exhorts the faithful to action, to be sowers of the faith in their community through their words and deeds, cheerfully for they are about the LORD’s work. And Paul reminds them of the unfathomable generosity and benevolence of the LORD of all. Finally, Paul assures them that as they do good for the source of all goodness, their own righteousness will be increased – their right relationship with the LORD will be strengthened as will their right relationship with their sisters and brothers.

How does this pertain to us today?

The call to live our faith out loud daily with joy did not end with the Apostles or the early church communities. We cannot claim to have faith with no visible displays of it, no use of it for the LORD and our sisters and brothers. Faith, hope and love are not passive emotions but rather active fuel for our life’s journey. And as in all matters of the spiritual life, the ironic is true, what we share increases.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What am I sowing with my life? What fruits will my life, my words, my actions produce? Do I rely upon the LORD for both direction and grace?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere, may we sow the seeds of faith, hope, and love through our words and actions. May our lives bring You to others and others to You. Grant that through our lives we may give You glory and show our trust in your loving goodness and generosity. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.