Dear Friends,

I once read a touching and insightful story on the value of Christian giving written by a pastor named Gordon Cosby. Reverend Cosby told of an occasion in his ministry when he was approached by the deacons of the church about a concern for a member who was an impoverished widow with six children. The deacons suggested to the pastor that he call on this poor woman and tell her she was not obligated to financially contribute to the church any longer since her resources were so limited. This sounded to the pastor as a thoughtful motion and a caring gesture.

Reverend Cosby writes of his visit with the widow as follows: "I am not wise now, I was less wise then. I went and told her as graciously and as supportively as I knew how that she was relieved of the responsibility of giving. As I talked with her, tears came into her eyes. 'I want to tell you,' she said, 'that you are taking away the last thing that gives my life dignity and meaning.'"

What does give our lives dignity and meaning if not our willingness to be devoted to a cause greater than ourselves? And what better cause in life than the cause of Jesus Christ?

Christian charity and largesse is a joy when approached as a privilege rather than an obligation. Faithful stewardship is a mark of spiritual maturity. The dignity and meaning of our lives is bound up with our willingness to be givers rather than takers. This is seen in the Gospel story of the poor widow who gave two coins out of her poverty while others gave much larger sums out of their deep pockets. The widow's mite rang a certain truth which Jesus was not slow to point out to his disciples. (Mark 12:41-44)

This is the time of year when we consider our annual pledge towards the mission of the Church. Let us undertake our giving as a serious spiritual discipline, but also with a certain joy knowing those who practice open handed giving are blessed even as they are a blessing.

Yours in Christ ,

Frank

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