August 1, 2009. The featured speakers this year include Michael Cumbie,
Dan Schneider, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk and Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.
Much is offered during this spirit-filled event so visit the link below
for more information. Online registration is open.
http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Psalm 146:2, 5-9, Matthew 5:43-48
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/061609.shtml
SHOW ME THE MONEY
"I am...simply testing your generous love against the concern which others
show." —2 Corinthians 8:8
St. Paul organized a collection among the churches of Asia Minor for the
starving Christians of Jerusalem. When visiting these churches, Paul
publicized the generosity of the poor Macedonian church to spur his
hearers to also give generously (2 Cor 8:1-4, 8, 24; 9:2-5; 11:9). Paul
knew that generous giving reflects the inner trust a person has in God and
shows to others "the proof of [their] love" (2 Cor 8:24; Phil 4:15-17).
Though Jesus tells us to keep our deeds of mercy secret (Mt 6:2-4), Paul
challenged churches to grow in generosity. Paul wanted his flock to give
openly, "for all the churches to see" (2 Cor 8:24). He was "concerned not
only for God's approval but also for the good esteem of men" (2 Cor 8:21).
Paul was not trying to encourage competition, but rather fraternal
generosity.
Paul's public disclosures about the generous giving of other churches
resulted in an increase of zeal to give generously among Paul's hearers (2
Cor 9:2). He also warned the Corinthian church that he might send along
some members of the Macedonian church to observe their collection (2 Cor
9:4). This would give tangible evidence to the Macedonians whether or not
the Corinthians had any "trust" in God (2 Cor 9:4).
We might cringe at Paul's appeals. But he would cringe even more at our
modern fund-raising methods. The Church in America often raises money with
appeals to gambling, games of chance, and sales of alcohol. Paul used
preaching, teaching, and an appeal to personal and communal
accountability. Guess whose methods resulted in an increase of both
generosity and faith?
Prayer: Father, may my money scream: "In God I trust."
Promise: "[Jesus] made Himself poor though He was rich, so that you might
become rich by His poverty." —2 Cor 8:9
Praise: Roberta explains to charities why she's sending their lottery
tickets back.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June
1, 2009 through July 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 5, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2009 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment