In today's first reading, 2 Cor 9: 6-11, St. Paul reminds us that "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." How challenging it can be at times to sow bountifully. If you are like me, sometimes you cut corners by letting the other person do what we easily could do ourselves or do for others. Or we let the other do our share of the chores that need being done. Or, we know what our responsibilities are as partners in marriage, as members of a religious community, as children, as employees but shun them. For instance, a child may say to him/herself: "If mom and dad don't notice, I will get away without practicing the piano or spending time reading", or whatever. Or, a husband or wife might say: "Mom/dad can do that; I am tired; I've worked hard all day" and don't lift a finger to help. When we sow sparingly, we also reap sparingly: we feel depleted, dissatisfied, less loved, less compassionate, less fulfilled.
Those who sow bountifully give the 100-150%. Nothing is too much for them. They notice things that need to be done. They look for ways to be helpful. They do not wait to be waited upon but are the waiters. They do not wait to be served, but are the servers. These persons "have an abundance for every good work...," St. Paul reminds us in this passage. They are "being enriched in every way for all [their] generosity."
Are you satisfied with yourself? Are you sowing bountifully or sparingly? The choice is yours and so are the results!
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