**Most Cheerful Giver**

        Today is the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians 9, Paul writes, "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." This is pure common sense: "We reap what we sow." The most cheerful giver is one who gives all of himself to God, for God has already given all of himself to us!