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Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Reading 1 : 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Brothers and sisters:
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.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
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.

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

R. (5) Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Alleluia : John 8:12

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

Gospel : John 12:24-26

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.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

 Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

True Christian life is found in generous love, joyful sacrifice, and the courage to give ourselves fully to God.

• Paul reminds us that generosity multiplies grace.
• The psalm celebrates the beauty of a life poured out for others.
• Jesus reveals that real fruitfulness comes through self‑giving love.

The message is clear: A life given to God becomes a life that bears eternal fruit.

 Reflection for the Day

Saint Lawrence is remembered not only for his martyrdom, but for the joy and freedom with which he gave his life.
When asked to present the “treasures of the Church,” he brought forward the poor, the sick, and the forgotten— declaring that they were the true riches of Christ.
His witness echoes today’s readings perfectly.
Paul teaches that generosity is not measured by amount, but by the heart behind the gift. A cheerful giver becomes a channel of God’s abundance.
The psalm paints a portrait of the righteous person: generous, merciful, steadfast, a light in the darkness, a blessing to others.
Then Jesus gives us the deepest truth of all:
“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.”
This is the mystery of Christian life: we grow by giving, we rise by lowering ourselves, we bear fruit by surrendering, we find life by losing it for Christ.
Saint Lawrence lived this mystery boldly. He gave everything— his service, his compassion, his courage, his very life— and through his sacrifice, the Church was strengthened.
Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Give generously.
   Not reluctantly, but joyfully—trusting God to multiply your offering.
2. Live for others.
   Your kindness, mercy, and compassion become seeds of grace.
3. Follow Christ in self‑giving love.
   Every sacrifice made for Him bears eternal fruit.
   Let today be a day of joyful generosity, courageous love, and deeper surrender.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to give generously, love joyfully, and serve faithfully.
Make my life a seed that bears fruit for Your Kingdom.
Strengthen me to follow You with courage and trust, even when the path requires sacrifice.
May my generosity reflect Your heart, and may my life proclaim Your love, Your mercy, and Your glory.
Amen.