In today’s second reading from 2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15, St Paul elaborates on the Judeo-Christian understanding of equality. Referencing regulations regarding the distribution of manna, St Paul reminded his readers in Corinth and he reminds us that “[Christ] became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” He goes on to explain, “Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.” This is because God was generous to the Israelites in the distribution of manna. In Exodus 16:16-18, Moses tells us that God provided exactly what was needed for each person no more, no less, regardless of their status.
Jesus practiced the same level of generosity when he responded to the pleas of Jairus, a synagogue official and an unnamed woman who was practically an outcast. Both Jairus and the woman humbly approach Jesus in faith believing in his power; Jairus seeking healing for his daughter and the woman seeking healing for herself. Jesus responded to both of them with magnanimity and compassion. Jesus was the most egalitarian person ever on this earth. In his eyes each human person was and is equal to every other person. No one is better than anyone else and everyone who petitions Jesus in faith and humility will have their needs met.
On Thursday July 4th we will celebrate the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The second paragraph of the Declaration begins, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness…” Over the course of the past two hundred and forty-eight years many people have sacrificed their lives to preserve these self-evident truths that citizens of the United States believe in so passionately. As we begin our celebrations this year, please stop and remember those who have gone before us, those who have given their lives for this Country and those who will spend Independence Day serving us in the armed forces.
God of all nations,
Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States of America.
