The Church, a pluralistic but also supportive community

Sunday 30 April 2023

Theme: "The Church, a pluralistic but also supportive community" Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

1. We make known to you, brethren, the grace of God which has manifested itself 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 they not only contributed as we hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God. 6. We have therefore engaged Titus to complete this work of charity for you, as he had begun it.

Let's remember:

This is Paul's testimony in favor of the great collection of funds and various goods; made by the churches of Macedonia. These were disturbed and persecuted for the cause of Christ. But they didn't stop doing good. They did not want to cry over their fate because they themselves were suffering persecution, although theirs were less. It is said that they gave beyond their capacity. They gave more than they had. Better, they even gave their hearts and their lives to help the saints of Jerusalem. The church, a pluralistic but also supportive community. This must be clear in our understanding. If there are brothers in pain, let us be quick and determined to come to their aid. Let's not play the game of the ostrich which flees its responsibilities and exonerates itself from its commitments. On the contrary, let us be united to better take advantage of our diversity, our pluralism. Let us not turn away from our commitments, let us not hesitate to join the just causes. Do not let others do good works, to set ourselves up as observers. Let us bring the stone to the building as long as we can act according to the grace of God. Excellent Sunday. Amen Alain Louz.-