February 22, 2013
A reflection on linen underwear, donuts, and what giving is all about
Amy Frykholm, associate editor of the Christian Century, shares what she learned from a sixth-century wandering monk and one of the stories he told. It’s about a generous “friend of Christ” in ancient Antioch who gathered up various items to distribute to poor people. One day he brought some Egyption-made linen undergarments to give out to people in need. Read about what happened next —and why Amy Frykholm said the story’s message spoke directly to her (and no doubt will speak to us as well).
This speaks to me of living out of a sense of abundance rather than a sense of scarcity. I find this hard to do, because so much of the world, both near and far, is convulsed in suffering, violence, and poverty. But I think Jesus calls us to the way of abundance, a mystery to embrace and try to live in, despite how illogical it seems. I don’t understand this, though, and I have lots to learn . . .
To clarify my comment above, I am not referring to material abundance but to a spirit of abundance coming from God, which enables us to live in and with grace, hospitality, love, joy, gratitude, and peace–even in the face of hardship and pain.