September 23rd - Reflection

2 Corinthians 8:8-15 (NRSV)
Christ became poor

I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something - now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 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."

Reflection
Just as the poor widow gave all she had to give, Christ out of his awesome power and richness, gave all he had to give for you and for me. We need to come to the realization of our poverty. We need to understand that we are in great need also. We cannot, by our own reason or strength, come to know Christ Jesus or come to him. We cannot by our own reason or strength save ourselves. We must realize our poverty in this respect.

Then we will see that Jesus has come to us out of his abundance to give us his life out of poverty. Jesus took on our poverty and sin and saved our very life through the giving of his own life...

But...the Father saw that in this act would come resurrection and new life. Resurrection and new life for Jesus and for you and for me. Out of your poverty and realization to sin, give your life, and see that new life in Jesus come to fruition. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Take this life and make in yours. --- Amen