"The Grace in Giving": A Reflection on The Second Reading For July 1st, 2018: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Corinthians 8:7,9, 13 -15 New Jerusalem version

7 ...as you are rich in everything you excel in everything - faith, eloquence of speech, in knowledge and understanding, concern for everything, and love for us - then make sure that you excel in this work of generosity too.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

I have known both poverty and affluence in my life. The ebb and flow from struggling to make ends meet, to times when I had more than enough, created in me much of what we hear from today’s message.

When I was down and out, I had to rely on the generosity of others. It was humbling to be on the receiving end of people’s kindness, and it somehow drew me closer to God. In receiving the kindness of others, I knew it was God’s way of looking after me. After all, whose hands can He use other than those of the hearts who are open to his will?

In this reading, I am struck by the lines: “Excel in this grace of giving…” and “test the genuineness of your love against the concern of others”. 

We are called to look after the poor, not just because they are in need, but because much is expected of those who have been given much. So, now that I am in a position where I can help others, I do so with little-to-no-fanfare. I know there is as much grace within the person on the receiving end, as there is in the giver.

The grace in the receiver is evident by their gratitude for the giver’s recognition of their dignity. They are also humbled because it is not easy being the person in need. The grace in the giver is their gratitude for having more than enough, and also their humility in knowing the gifts that are given are only what God has supplied.

The attitude of gratitude and the stance of humility are what  make us the richest and most blessed of all peoples. Both virtues are represented in verse 9: “...that though he (Jesus) was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Let us pray: Lord, soften my heart, and bring me to my knees often enough to know the fullness of your love for me and for those in need. Remind me constantly that You are the giver of all good things. Whether in riches or in poverty, keep me faithful to your will, and bless me and all peoples with the gifts of humility and  gratitude. In Jesus’ name we pray. ​Amen.

Patricia Cosgrove

"...whose hands can He use other than those of the hearts who are open to his will?"  - Patricia Cosgrove (Ora Reflections)