Our Inner Poverty - December 9

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 37:1-18; PM Psalm 37:19-42; Amos 9:1-10; Rev. 2:8-17; Matt. 23:13-26

Last night, we filled blessing begs to be given out in a community a few miles from Saint Stephen’s, where we feed and clothe people who are housing insecure and hungry.  Weekly, a group from Saint Stephen’s cooks and serves breakfast in Avondale.  It’s a meaningful ministry, and I believe it to be important and the relationships and friendships built there are generative and sincere.  I have no doubt that the Gospel is not lived out in that ministry in profound ways.

This morning especially, I’m struck by the words of John in his vision written on Patmos.  He refers to the church in Smyrna (not the towns that aren’t too far away in Georgia or Tennessee) where we hear the words, “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich.” I think the words resonate more this morning for two reasons:  the church often focuses resources towards alleviating the burdens of the poor, and we as a faith community are located in an especially affluent community.  

For me, the words of John are so powerful, because it is helpful to be reminded that we are all poor, that we all are afflicted, and that we are all in need of God’s grace and love.  Yes, many in our immediate community have much more than many others (and are exceptionally generous too), but this doesn’t solve all of life’s problems.  As people of faith, to be open to God’s healing and hope in each of our own lives is necessary for us to be in healthy relationships with each other.  Money won’t solve our problems.  Nor will fame, success, ego, or most anything else.  But understanding who we are as children of God in need of God’s love and grace will open up the path towards healing. John’s words level the playing field and create a sort of equality that is so much needed today. 

As I think specifically to the work with the poor, something the church has always been called to do, it’s probably helpful for us to remember that we aren’t here to fix other people.  We are here to share what we have been given.  Relationships with people in the margins are a mutual sharing of our gifts which can sometimes expose our own inner poverty and affliction and create the space for healing.   

If you have yet to go to Avondale, or the ministries we are involved with in Woodlawn, or any of the other places where working with the poor is so important, I encourage you to do so.  There is much in the Bible that encourages us to do just this.  But it might be helpful to remember that everyone has gifts to share.  Friendships, listening, and being open to others and what they have to offer us are important because God is working to heal our inner poverty and infliction too. 

Faithfully,

John

Questions for Self-Reflection:    In what ways have you explored your own inner poverty and affliction?  In what ways do you find God’s healing and grace? 

Daily Challenge:  If this prompts you to consider a way of serving in an Outreach ministry, here is a link to our Outreach page and if you use Facebook, please join our Outreach Facebook group.