Daily Readings for August 10, 2017

Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon, martyr

1ST READING

St. Lawrence, the deacon, whose martyrdom we celebrate today, is an inspiring figure. Even when facing a horrible form of martyrdom, Lawrence keeps his good humor. Why is it that Christians are so often a dour and sorrowful looking bunch? We should be the happiest people on the planet because we know what God has done for us.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

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.

P S A L M

Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

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) 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; 6 He shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. (R) 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)

GOSPEL

This is such a true image: It is in dying to ourselves and choosing to live for others that we bear the most fruit. For a seed to sprout and grow, it loses all semblance of its former shape and form. Then drawing on water, sun and the nutrients of the earth, the seed grows into a plant that produces a multitude of seeds from where it has come. The same is true of our faith. When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our lives from sin to righteousness, we become a source of hope and life for others.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord.

John 12:24-26

24 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”