Daily Readings for August 10, 2018

Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon, marytr

1st READING 

Today is the feast of St. Lawrence. He is a wonderful example of calm in the midst of a terrifying situation. He is about to burn to death but still finds humor in asking his executioners to turn him over, so he can also be cooked from the other side. Lawrence was resigned to death without any fear. He was faithful to God’s call and was certain of receiving the gift of salvation.

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 one 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 

Imagine a seed being swallowed up by the earth. A few days later the seed sprouts a new life, breaking the ground, and a new plant is born. Our life of faith is like this. We surrender to the Lord and allow Him to consume us. He transforms us and gives us new life in Him under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

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.”