MONDAY, August 29

James 2:1-13. My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?

James vigorously castigates churches that made distinctions in treating their members based on their wealth. Evidently some churches were favoring those wearing fine clothes and expensive jewelry. These churches have become judges with evil thoughts, he says. It is the poor who are rich in faith and heirs of the promised kingdom; partiality, says James, is a sin against love.

These words are challenging for many a twenty-first century congregation too. We need wealthy donors to support our ministries—and to pay for the roof repair. We are tempted to do all we can to keep these supporters happy and continuing to support us. That’s fine, but poorer members of our congregation bring a different wealth with them. It might not be the sort of wealth that pays for the roof repair, but it is the wealth of faith. No church can survive without that.

To make a distinction based on wealth is to divide the body of Christ—because in Christ there is no distinction of wealth. All are welcomed and included in a gesture of radical hospitality.

PRAY for the Diocese of San Joaquin (Province VIII, USA)

Ps 25 * 9, 15; 2 Chronicles 6:32—7:7; Mark 14:53-65

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Rich or Poor. Who Belongs To God?

Aug 29, 2011 at 5:56 am

Written by emeline,

The story of the Widow's Mite brings us into sharp focus, recognizing that God favours those who are genuine in their giving. We should all appreciate each other for our firmness in faith and not because we have so much material wealth to throw around. Remember the humility of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Being wealthy is not a sin.

Aug 29, 2011 at 8:54 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

I agree that favoritism should not be displayed towards wealthy people and that we should help the poor and oppressed. However, a rich person is just as capable of being deeply spiritual and God-loving as the rest of us, just as a poor person is just as capable of being evil. Does highly benevolent Bill Gates owe us an apology for accumulating tremendous wealth?

Faith

Aug 29, 2011 at 9:00 am

Written by Linda,

I think one lesson for a congregation is this: If your faith produces good fruit of loving all and bringing many to Christ, you won't have to worry about paying for a new roof.

I agree with Barbara

Aug 29, 2011 at 10:11 am

Written by Junelle,

Sometimes when you have money, the expectations of your friends, your church and others is very different than when you don't. I agree with Barbara, it is possible to be spiritual and be wealthy.

Power Corrupts

Aug 29, 2011 at 10:40 am

Written by Edward,

I used to agree with Barbara and Junelle, but increasingly the evidence is that the excessive accumulation of power, which is what money is really, unavoidably changes a person, and not in good ways. It also unnaturally decreases the resources that should be available to most people. Maybe Jesus really meant what he said to the rich young man....

...

Aug 29, 2011 at 11:43 am

Written by Morris Post,

What happens the rich person that pays for the roof repair dies off? Episcopal parishes need to get with the program and ramp up their outreach efforts. Either get more members or consolidate parishes. You shouldn't have to depend on a small number of rich donors for emergencies.

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