Ven. Hilarion the Great; Holy New Martyr John of Monembasia (1773); Martyrs Theodote and Socrates

Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. ⁹As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”

¹⁰Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, ¹¹you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

“Let these words sink into your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men.” ⁴⁵But they didn’t understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

⁴⁶An argument arose among them about which of them was the greatest. ⁴⁷Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, ⁴⁸and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.”

⁴⁹John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.”

⁵⁰Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”