Friday 28 April 2023
Theme: "The Church, a pluralistic but also supportive community" Text: Romans 15:26-28
26. For Macedonia and Achaia have been good enough to impose on themselves a contribution in favor of the poor among the saints of Jerusalem. 27. They wanted it, and they owed it to them; for if the pagans have shared in their spiritual advantages, they must also assist them in temporal things. 28. As soon as I finish this business and hand over these donations to them, I will leave for Spain and come to you.
Let's remember:
Within the church in Jerusalem, there were people very zealous in the mission of God, but they were poor and borderline destitute. Paul, approving their work, decided to urge the Corinthians to come to their aid. This is what we read in 1 Corinthians 16: “1. As for the collection for the saints, do as I commanded the Churches of Galatia. 2. That each of you, on the first day of the week, set aside at home what he can, according to his prosperity, so that they do not wait for my arrival to collect the donations. 3. And when I come, I will send with letters to take your gifts to Jerusalem, the persons whom you have approved. later, Paul congratulates and pays tribute to them. He testifies to this in 2 Corinthians 8 when he says: “1. We make known to you, brethren, the grace of God which has been manifested in the churches of Macedonia. 2. In the midst of many tribulations which tried them, their overflowing joy and deep poverty produced abundantly rich liberalities from them. 3. They have, I attest, given voluntarily according to their means, and even beyond their means, 4. asking us with great earnestness for the grace to take part in the assistance destined for the saints. 5. And not only did they contribute as we hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God.” Let's share what little we have. Let us stand in solidarity with the suffering saints. Let's be a sacrifice. Excellent Friday and good start into the weekend. Amen Alain Louz.
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