1ST READING
Paul teaches in today’s reading that the more generous we are with the Lord, the more generous He will be with us. If we provide the Lord with a bucket to fill with His love, mercy and blessings, He will fill it. If we provide a barrel, He will also fill it. Whatever vessel we allow our life to be for Christ, He will fill us. The only blessings that matter are those we receive in heaven. The prosperity gospel that focuses only on receiving wealth and blessings is not the true Gospel. Our blessings mean nothing unless we use them for the Kingdom of God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
6 Brothers and sisters: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 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. 9 As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 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. 11 You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.
P S A L M
Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 9
R: Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
1 Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. 2 His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (R) 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. 4 Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)
GOSPEL
The Father will repay us for our good works not here on earth but in eternal life in heaven. This is what truly matters. Let us avoid the lure of wealth and possessions that pass away. Let us pray for the grace to invest our time and energy in working for God’s Kingdom and for relationships that endure. May the promise of eternity capture our mind and heart.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
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