More Stewardship

Friday, June 8, 2007 -- Week of Proper 4

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 968)
Psalms 40, 54 (morning) 51 (evening)
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Luke 18:9-14


The stewardship theme continues today. Paul is engaged in a fund drive. There seems to be some controversy about it (isn't there always?). Paul makes pains to defend his motives: "We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering." During the next chapter he will coax and urge the Corinthians to generosity in their giving. "The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."

In Deuteronomy we hear the instructions for the people to bring the first fruits of the produce to the Temple as an offering to God. I know many people who follow that instruction by writing their first check from their pay as their church offering. It is interesting to note that once the first of the fruit has been brought to the Temple and given to God, the people are to celebrate and to share the feast. Included in the celebration feast are "the aliens who reside among you."

In Luke we have the parable about the two men who are praying in the temple. One is proud. Among the accomplishments his lists of himself is his practice of giving a tenth of all his income. His generosity exceeds the requirements of the law, which asks only for a tithe of one's crop and the firstborn animals. He speaks of his satisfaction to God. The other person praying is a tax collector, who can only ask for mercy. Jesus says only the humble prayer is in right relationship to God.

Humble generosity seems to be the message for today. Both humility and generosity seem to be byproducts of the realization that all we are and all we have is given by God. We are fortunate and blessed.

Lowell
______________________

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe to the "Morning Reflections" email list,
go to our Subscriptions page -- http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id137.html

The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

See our Web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life:
We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.