10 August 2022

10 August 2022

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10, NRSV

Paul appealed to the gentile churches for generosity in supporting the Christian community in Jerusalem who were in great need. He was very persuasive in his appeal, assuring them that they would still have enough for themselves and that they would receive God’s blessing. Saint Laurence, whose feast is celebrated today, also championed the cause of the poor and needy and used his position as a deacon in the Church in Rome to distribute alms. Legend has it that when Laurence was commanded to hand over all the treasures of the Church to the Roman authorities, he instead distributed the property among the poor. When called to present the treasures, Laurence brought before the officials a group of poor, crippled, blind and suffering people, stating that these were the real treasures of the Church. His act of defiance led to his martyrdom and he is one of the most venerated of the saints.

 

    • What difference does it make to give cheerfully?
    • Do you know any cheerful givers?

Look for opportunities to give cheerfully today.

Image – Saint Lawrence Distributing the Treasures of the Church by Bernardo Strozzi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *