A Grain Of Wheat

AUGUST 10, 2022, WEDNESDAY
FEAST OF SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR (Red)
CYCLE C - YEAR II
Lectionary: 618

Reading 1
2 COR 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.

Responsorial Psalm
PS 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

R. (5) Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and 
lends to those in need.

Lavishly he gives to the poor, 
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.


Alleluia
JN 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
JN 12:24-26

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.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”


GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Today we celebrate the feast of St Laurence, one of the martyrs of the early church. Martyrs often confound us, raising all sorts of questions in our seemingly tolerant times. Yet they do show how true and stark is the challenge of today’s reading. I try to listen to Jesus asking me whether I merely want to save my life, at all costs, or whether there is anything I value so much that I am ready to die for it. Only then can I say that I am alive. I pray to have the courage to live according to my beliefs.

PRAYER:

Lord, grace me with the gift of letting go of all that I cling to. May I not block your Spirit moving in me. Work through me so that like Mary, I may carry you to all those whose lives I touch.


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