The story is told that a certain man was persuaded to read some of William Shakespeare's plays. When asked if he had enjoyed the plays, he complained that "they were full of quotations". We could say, but without complaint, I hope that the Bible too is "full of quotations". Today, for example, the first reading tells us that "God loves a cheerful giver". The Old Testament tells us that "there is nothing new under the sun".

St Paul, like many before him and after him, is asking the people to whom he is writing to contribute to a fund for the relief of those in need. The needy people were their fellow Christians in Rome.

Paul asks the Corinthian Christians to give cheerfully. He didn't want to put too much pressure on them, but he reminded them that God had been very generous to them, especially in inviting them into the Christian family through baptism.

St. Lawrence died willingly in the service of God and his fellow men and women. He cheerfully gave up his life. The Gospel passage implies that his generosity would be multiplied in its effects like the life dwelling in the seed. When that living seed is buried in the ground it brings an explosive increase of life and energy to the world.

We all have something to give. As we grow in trust in God we will grow in cheerfulness. The very cheerfulness with which we give will release a new spring of cheerfulness, trust and generosity in the world.