Today's readings are Psalm 68.15-20, 1 Kings 16.29-17.24, and 2 Corinthians 9.1-15.
Today we see the further downward spiral of religion according to man's opinion. In the Northern Kingdom of Israel Ahab becomes king and spends his time giving in to the local religious practices, including fertility gods and possibly even human sacrifice. Counter to Ahab, we see Elijah, the prophet of God, who, in God's name performs signs both of cursing the evil kingdom and blessing people in need.
Our New Testament reading praises the generosity of the Corinthians, who gave freely to bless the saints in need in Jerusalem. These readings beg for a question. What is the business of the Church? We might see it as a social agency, and on a limited scope it is that. Historically Christians have always been engaged in doing good for people. But that is only a partial picture. The motivation for the Church to serve the community is rooted in God's mercy, specifically the Gospel of Jesus who gave himself for sinners.
May we have grace to engage in service that is different from that of our surrounding culture, for it is rooted in the work of Christ on our behalf.
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