REFLECTION
The theme for our reflection is inter-church aid. Paul embarks on a fundraising drive to support the Church at Jerusalem during the great famine. Paul appealed to the church at Corinth to contribute and have Titus and two other men charged with the responsibility of collecting the donations to come for them. “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. (2 Corinthians 8:23-24). In other words, among all the churches that are contributing toward the fundraising, Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously out of love to depict their much talked about reputation when it comes to cheerful giving.
Again, Paul’s appeal for aid in support of the Jerusalem Church has three important elements which are of relevance to us today when it comes to giving. Paul wrote that “we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill. (2 Corinthians 8:19). Firstly, anytime we give to support others we embark on an act of grace. Giving is an act of grace because we never deserved the blessings of God yet He blesses us so that we may also be a blessing unto others. Secondly giving is an opportunity to serve and give glory to God through our money and wealth. Anytime we give to others, people experience God’s love through us and they give glory to God. Thirdly there is no better way to express goodwill to our fellow human beings than giving or supporting them when they are in need. Giving is an act of grace that glorifies God and shows our goodwill to others.
It is important to note that this reflection is a wake-up call to congregations or churches to support one another in crisis situations. A parish, congregation or a financially strong church should consider adopting a less endowed or a financially and infrastructurally challenged congregation in a rural or deprived area, support them to an appreciable level and then repeat same with others as a special ministry to revive and encourage churches that are in similar situations. Today, many churches or congregations hide in their enclosed comfortable zones, unbothered about the woes of other churches in need of support and have built high walls around themselves making it impossible to be reached by less privileged churches. The essence of inter-church aid ministry is to experience grace, love and fellowship in the universal church of Christ. Shalom.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may we not build walls around ourselves as a church without considering the woes of less privileged churches, let your unconditional love fill us and ignite in us, the passion for inter-church aid ministry so that will continue to give as an act of grace that glorifies You and shows our goodwill to others.
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