Unless we are willing die to our own needs, wants, pride, greed, selfishness, amongst other things we will never be able to yield a rich harvest for our Lord and God. For even if in our minds we say we will die to self for others, we are more concerned about our own self preservation and perhaps that of our immediate family. Many are willing to donate a little sum of money leftover but not their time. Some a sparing short window of their time but not often as needed. Who then is at hand to help the many suffering in this time of the pandemic?
Thankfully we still do have martyrs in the world whose blood continues to testify to their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And by their lived examples many million souls have been saved. There are also lots of unsung ones who may have not needed to spill blood for their faith, but by their ‘blood’ sweat and tears have served the least of our brethren and have guided their souls on to the path to our Heavenly inheritance.
Jesus our Lord tells us even today, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Let us in reply pray, “Jesus my Lord, send me!” Amen
St Lawrence pray for us…..
First reading
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
God loves a cheerful giver
Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works. As scripture says: He was free in almsgiving, and gave to the poor: his good deeds will never be forgotten.
The one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide you with all the seed you want and make the harvest of your good deeds a larger one.
Gospel
John 12:24-26
If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I tell you, most solemnly,
unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies,
it yields a rich harvest.
Anyone who loves his life loses it;
anyone who hates his life in this world
will keep it for the eternal life.
If a man serves me, he must follow me,
wherever I am, my servant will be there too.
If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’
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