In 2 Corinthians chapter 8 we hear about the Macedonian offering. Paul is taking an offering to support the hungry and beleaguered Christian community in Jerusalem. The church in Macedonia was one of the most impoverished churches in as the Christian movement. Paul contrasts their poverty with their generosity. Here is Paul describing the offering:
The past three years have seen more conversation about and struggle with racial injustice than we have seen at any time since the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Caring Connections, an ejournal published by Lutheran chaplains, pastoral counselors, and clinical educators, made a contribution to the conversation in its September 2020 issues, “Reflections on Racial Justice.” Following below is an edited version of my personal response to Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility, published in that issue. I commend the book to you.
Pastor John Schumacher, BCC
“As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Ever more be led by thee.
As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior to thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before
Thee, whom heav’n and earth adore;
So, may we with willing feet
Ever seek thy mercy seat.” (LBW, 82)
I would like to reflect with you on the nature of Epiphany and the ministry we share as pastors and church leaders, especially as we find the mission field not somewhere else, but right outside our doors.