Claire Harris Kramer
2 Corinthians 8:15
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
In this passage, Paul praises the Macedonians, a poverty-stricken community, for their outpouring of support for the church at Jerusalem. Paul is also putting the pressure on the Corinthians to see the Macedonians as an example and to contribute to caring for the Jerusalem church. Referencing a passage from Exodus, Paul reminds the Corinthians, “The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.”
On my first reading of this passage, I thought about social justice, about making sure everyone has enough, and about sharing out of our abundance. These things are all good and appropriate, work in which we should all be participating. However, during this busy season, I wonder if it might not be more apropos to think about how we might give generously, not just of our financial resources, but also of ourselves and our time. I wonder how we might be really present for each other. I wonder how we might carve out generous space for God as we await the birth of Christ. I wonder how we might allow ourselves to be inconvenienced so that others’ lives are made more convenient.
A friend recently shared with me that when her family was going through a difficult time years ago, a person in her life encouraged her to do something kind for someone else every day. Call a friend. Give up the parking space. Make eye contact. Be open to the conversation. Through these small but outrageously generous acts even and especially in the midst of all that we have going on, we just might be changed and change the world.
Daily Challenge: Give the gift of presence. Reach out to someone who has experienced a recent loss or might be going through a difficult time. Spend some time with a friend or family member who may be feeling isolated. Think about how we might be the Church for all those people who are experiencing emotional, mental, and physical needs during this Advent season and into the New Year.
Prayer: God, thank you for all the good gifts that you have given us. Please help us to care for one during this season that can be so full of joy and also so full of sadness. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear each other and you. Give us hearts ready to share generously ALL that we have with others in need. Give us the courage to receive the love and support we need from ourselves, from others, and from you. Amen.
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