Learning to be a Community of Care and Generosity (2)
I. Required readings
A Cup of Cold Water/Ethiopian
Famine of 1984-1985.
Photograph by Andrew Bennett
Christian Biography for the Day: Vincent de Paul
Frank Doyle, “Scripture Reflections”
Heather Koerner, “Earn to Give”
Alice Marie Quinn, “Love Serves”
II. Quotations for the
day
Various quotations from Vincent de Paul
III. Journal prompts
1. If justice involves “rendering to people that which they deserve,” then isn’t there a sense in which acts of generosity always go beyond justice? How does Jesus’ parable about the workers illuminate the character of God when it comes to generosity and justice? Is it possible that God’s justice is different from human justice? If so, do you find this to be good news or bad news?
2. What do you make of Wesley’s three principles for dealing with money? As you reflect on them, keep in mind that Wesley worked hard to "practice what he preached." He was so industrious and became so well-known that his income eventually reached £1,400 per year—equivalent to more than $160,000 in today's currency. However, he chose to live simply but comfortably on just £30 (or about 2% of his income, today's equivalent of about $3500) while giving the rest away. In fact, he gave away nearly all of the £30,000 he earned in his lifetime. He once wrote, "If I leave behind me ten pounds … you and all mankind [can] bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief and a robber."
IV. Links of possible
interest
John Wesley, “The Use of Money.” Here’s a link to the full text of Wesley’s sermon that is mentioned in Koerner’s article above.