10 Aug
Thu
St Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr
2 Cor. 9:6-10
Ps. 112(111):1-2,5-6,7-8,9
Jn. 12:24-26
(Ps Wk II)
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Many people cling to everything they have, afraid of losing it and not having enough. Paul challenges this fear: generosity is always rewarded, and the more you give, the more you will receive in return. If we are stingy with life, life will be stingy with us. If we are unceasingly kind towards others, we will receive kindness in return. Most importantly, all that we give must be done cheerfully. Resentment, reluctance, or selfishness will taint our good deeds.

The same applies to our very life. Death is the most important part of life, for it opens the way for new life, just as with the grain of wheat. It is natural, and can even be beautiful. Humans have turned it into something to fear and avoid at all costs. This fear often prevents us from taking risks or trying new things. Even if we cling to life fearfully, we will lose it anyway, for everyone eventually dies. We should enjoy and reverence life until God calls us. If we are willing to let go gracefully and without fear when the time comes, we can then receive from God a life that is so much greater than we could ever imagine. Just as Jesus entrusted his life into the hands of God, so we should entrust ours to the Lord Jesus.



Lord, I thank You for the gift of my life.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may help everyone discover the beauty of creation.
Elaboration

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