Have you ever started a garden? When I was a child, we had a garden in our back yard.
Although I sometimes thought we had more zucchini than we needed, my father always made sure he planted enough seeds so that enough would take root and grow in case some didn't survive or got eaten by the birds.
If we only sow a few seeds, we might not get the result we hope for – as I have found out from my own mistake trying to grow herbs.
In this passage, Paul was talking about their generosity to support other Christian communities that were in need.
However, as important it was and is important for all of us to support missionary activities both at home and in countries where there are missionaries at work, we should also consider this in light of the parable of the sower.
The more we spread the seeds of faith to those around us, the greater will be the harvest of believers. It is not just the role of the missionaries to spread the Good News, it is the job of all the baptized.
Money is important, that's true, if those who are sent into mission fields will have the resources necessary to help, as those fields are generally in impoverished areas often without clean water, enough food or medical equipment.
Jesus knew that we have a responsibility to the body as well as to the soul, and that it is difficult for someone to listen when they are hungry or homeless.
Paul is asking everyone to give according to one's means and to sow the seeds of faith bountifully.
