DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 (9/1) Epistle for Tuesday of
the Thirteenth Week after Pentecost
When Asked to Give: 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5, especially
vs. 9:5: “....may [your generous
gift] be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging
obligation.” Since Moses’ time, the People of God have given both
tithes and offerings (see Deut. 12:6,11) through God’s
temples, recognizing that tithes - ten percent of one’s increase - were
commanded by God and that offerings were unspecified gifts offered from sheer
joy, thanksgiving or as response to painful needs. Tithes support the regular worship of
God (clergy and community costs), while offerings were directed to special
needs of the temples, the clergy, or the poor and afflicted.
At present, the Faithful are met almost continuously with
requests for donations and gifts from social agencies, Church agencies, and
other entities of every type. How
does one best decide about giving offerings to causes when solicited? Today’s reading provides basic
Apostolic advice concerning requests for offerings made within the Church by
worthy agencies such as the International Orthodox Christian Charities, the
Orthodox Christian Mission Center, the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry,
emergency appeals from our Jurisdictions when disasters strike, and special
drives for particular projects in or through the Church.
At the time
On the basis of his immediate famine relief project, the
Apostle describes two spiritual benefits inherent in contributions. First, giving reveals “...the
glory of the Lord Himself and [shows our] ready mind” (vs. 19). When we offer in response to the
prompting “...to do good to all, especially to those who are of the
household of faith” (Gal. 6:10), God’s glory is made visible before
men. The work of the Spirit in the
hearts of the Faithful is exhibited visibly for all to see goodness, love, and
generosity that the Holy Spirit achieves.
Second, in the present passage, the Apostle warns
Christians against resistance toward those from established and proven Church
agencies who appeal for offerings.
Living in a world of telephone solicitors, bulk-mail appeals, and
professional fund-raisers, a Christian has to have some basis for sorting out
all the requests that come. What to
do?
The Apostle discloses what ought to be our attitudes toward
those who legitimately approach us in the Name of the Church. Appeals should not be
treated with ‘automatic’ opposition: those asking come caring for
us (vs. 16); they are diligently serving our common Lord “...of [their] own accord”
(vs. 17); they come praised “...throughout all the churches...”
(vs. 18); they provide “...honorable things, not only in the sight of the
Lord, but also in the sight of men” (vs. 21); and they are official
“...messengers of the churches...” (vs. 23). While there is no absolute mandate to
give in every appeal, neither should we automatically reject appeals. Pray!
Finally,
O Christ our God, accept our oblations and sacrifices of
praise, that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge Thy Name; and aid us in
doing good to all with offerings pleasing unto Thee.
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