Original Douay–Rheims Annotations2 Corinthians 9
English College of Douai–Rheims
Read 2 Corinthians 9 in the Bible2 Corinthians 9:5
Not as avarice.
◦ The covetous man that parteth with his penny painfully and with sorrow as though he lost a limb of his body, is noted; and cheerful, ready, voluntary, and large contribution is commended.
- ◦ Cheerful giving.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Soweth sparingly.
◦ Alms is compared to seed. For as the seed thrown into the ground, though it seem to be cast away, yet is not lost, but is laid up in certain hope of great increase: so that which men give in alms, though it seem to be cast away and to perish in respect of the giver, yet indeed it is most fruitful, the benefit thereof manifoldly returning to him again. Whereupon the Apostle's conclusion is clear, that according to the measure of the alms or seeding (which is more or less in respect of the will and ability of the giver) the increase and aboundance of harvest, that is, of grace and glory shall ensue. See S. Augustine in Psal. 49. circa med. & q. 4. ad Dulcitium.
- ◦ The greater alms, the greater merit and reward.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Doth not only supply.
◦ When alms are given, specially to holy men, not only the givers obtain great benefits thereby, and the wants of others be supplied, but God also by the receiver's continual prayers and thanks-giving therefore, is exceedingly honoured: so that charity bestowed in this sort, is an act of God's worship and of religion.
- ◦ Alms redound to God's honour.
Original Douay–Rheims Annotations — English College of Douai–Rheims. CC0 1.0
2 Corinthians 9:1
Toward the Saints.
◦ By the Apostle's earnest and often calling upon the Corinthians to give alms for relieving the faithful in distress, the Pastors of God's Church may learn, that it specially pertaineth to their office to be proctors for holy men in prison, poverty, and all other necessity, specially when their want cometh for confession of their faith.