Generosity in Hard Times

This was the first reading for this morning (August 10th):

Reading 1
2 Cor 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.

It's a good reminder to be generous even in these hard times. Maybe it is all the more important in the present economic situation. So many people are hurting that selfishness simply cannot be defended. As Beth Dotson Brown wrote in today's reflection for Living Faith: "God's word reminds us of a reward beyond our present circumstances." We need to give without counting the cost. We need to help all those we possibly can and trust that God will provide for us.