Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth about taking up a collection for the Christians in Jerusalem for they were poor and needed financial help. He encouraged the Corinthians to be generous by telling them that their generosity would be repaid to them.

Paul went on to say that God loves a cheerful giver and would provide abundantly for them if they were generous with others. How generous are we with others whom we do not even know?

Jesus told the disciples that his hour had come. His mission on earth was almost complete. Jesus spoke in terms that the people understood - a grain of wheat had to be buried in the soil to produce fruit. In the same way, we must be willing to give up our own earthly life - selfish desires and way of living - and live with the desire and purpose of serving God and our neighbour. If we do this, we will bear much fruit, and God will honour us.