Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

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.

If we want to have a place in the Kingdom of God, then we cannot be stingy with our time, talents, or treasures. We have to use them all to sow the Way, the Truth, and the Life in the lives of others. We cannot shrink from the sacrifices that are asked of us or worry about the cost of doing what is right. If we do God’s Will, then He will give us everything we need to accomplish His Divine Plan. Whatever we lose in time, talent, or treasures, God will return to us through grace... and a thousand-fold. We cannot let our fears, doubts, and anxieties about life keep us from living as God wants us to live. We cannot put off till tomorrow what God has given us to do today. We have to embrace the challenges and do as God has determined, without sadness or compulsion... but as cheerful givers of body, mind, and heart.

What is God asking us to sow? How can we become better reapers of good works? What can we do to become more cheerful givers?

O Lord, grant us the grace we need to sow and reap bountifully.

Amen.