It has become common to discuss charitable giving during the holidays, so I thought I would take advantage of that and merge my thoughts on today’s New Testament Challenge readings and charity. On the topic of giving, Saint Paul says, “For I do not mean that should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack – that there may be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8.13-14) I find it quite interesting that the state of equality isn’t in the position of gifts but in the use of them.
The message from Saint Paul that I believe would be of amazing benefit for our society is that at some point each of us will have need and each of us will have abundance. To be equal isn’t to eliminate one’s abundance in favor of the one who has need. This is simple redistribution of wealth for wealth purposes. The actual use of abundance, whether it is money, knowledge, talents, or any other resource, is meant to serve God and others in love. Simply ensuring each member of our society has equal wealth is accomplishing nothing other than jealousy since it is quite impossible to accurately distribute wealth. Love on the other hand is given freely by God to anyone and everyone, even if they don’t desire it. We all have been equally blessed with love by God. How we choose to use that love reflects whether we in fact welcome God’s love for us.
Citing the story of Manna in Exodus, Saint Paul writes, “As it is written, ‘He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.’” (2 Corinthians 8.15) Here is the complete reference from Exodus:
So it was that quail came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. But when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the desert, was a small round substance, white like coriander seed, like frost on the ground. So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is this?" For they did not know what it was. Thus Moses said to the, "This is the bread the Lord gives you to eat. This is what the Lord has ordered, ‘Let every man gather it for his family, one omer according to the head count and number of souls among you. Each one should gather it with those who share your tents.’" Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Each one gathered according to the need of those sharing the tent with him. (Exodus 16.13-18)
Saint Paul is trying to remind us that we all share in this “tent” we call Earth and what God has sent for our blessing is not just for us but for all those who have need. Why not take that message with you during the Christmas season as you plan your shopping and your charitable gifts?
Please remember your local Church during this season, just as Moses and Saint Paul taught, that we may all be equal this Christmas.
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