2 Corinthians 9:7–8: Paul writes, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

These words to the community of believers in Corinth are meant to help that community live together well. Generosity was (and is) a hallmark of being a follower of Jesus. But being able to be generous with our money, our time, and our energy, means that we first acknowledge that we are blessed by God with an abundance of these things.

For followers of Islam, July 8 marks the beginning of Ramadan. Ramadan will last until August 7. During this month, Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking from dawn to sundown. Along with this fasting, the community will raise money, donate clothes and food for the poor, and hold neighborhood dinners. Going without the usual food and drink helps the believers to focus on issues of hunger and on sharing their resources with others.

We don’t have an official month of fasting to help us focus on how we can be more generous in response to the world’s needs, but we are a part of a community that celebrates the abundance of God and our generosity with that abundance. While you are eating your meals today, take a minute to thank God for all that you have received and talk with your household about how you are sharing that abundance with others.

Let us pray, “Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.” Amen. (prayer from ELW p. 76)

Contributed by Tracie
Monday July 8, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 32
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 9
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost