15 June 2021

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9, NRSV

Paul needed to deal with the matter of money since the Christian community in Jerusalem was very poor and needed the support of others. In his plea to the community at Corinth, Paul made it clear that he was not giving them a command to raise money but instead an opportunity to show their generosity. Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were graced in many ways and that their grace could also be shown through the generosity of their giving. He gave them the example of the Christians at Macedonia who, although poor themselves, had begged for the chance to support the Jerusalem Christians. They did not have much to give but had considered it a privilege to give generously.

• • Why do you think Paul linked ‘giving’ with ‘grace’?
  • What can we learn from the example of the Macedonians?

Reflect on the graces you have received from God and how you are called to share these with others.