Still generous

I was privileged to preach at the ecumenical service for the town of Briercrest’s 100th anniversary. I have a certain amount of aversion to diverting from the Lectionary but I am certainly capable of doing so if necessary . . . but this Sunday’s Lectionary texts included 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, which seemed tailor made for the occasion. One of the defining characteristics of those who founded and created towns anywhere on the prairies a hundred years ago was generosity. St. Paul has some very interesting things to say about being generous and giving; how to do it and why.

Knox Presbyterian Still generous

One of the things I was trying to get across is that we need to remember that we are called to do what we can, not necessarily what we want to do and certainly not what we are incapable of doing. Paul writes: “For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has–not according to what one does not have” (2 Cor 8:12). If we are eager or willing to do what we can, that is all God requires – whether in giving or serving or anything.

Blessings,

• Date: July 1, 2012
• Liturgical Sunday: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
• RCL Scripture: Psalm 130; 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
• Sermon Title: Still generous

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