2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. This time for real.

Enter the Bible has a very helpful introduction:

Paul begins this letter by blessing God. Such blessing is a common Jewish form of prayer. In this prayer, Paul gives thanks for God’s mercy and consolation. Suffering is also a theme as the letter opens.

So What?
Second Corinthians offers a real-life window on a strained relationship between a church leader and the people whom he loves. In this letter, we see an anxious apostle hoping to restore the relationship he had with churches he founded, even as he tries to avoid being drawn into a contest with other teachers over who has the most impressive skills and credentials. To do this, he discloses much about his own devotion to the Corinthians, his hardships in ministry, and the reconciliation God has accomplished for them all in Christ.

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2 Corinthians 13:1-13

Yesterday’s Reading was 2 Corinthians 13:1-13.

In it Paul asks the Corinthians to “Greet one another with the kiss of peace.”
Presently, the greeting is not normally shared as a kiss in English-speaking cultures, but by shaking hands or performing some other greeting gesture (such as an embrace) more in tune with the culture and time.

Today would be Romanian-born sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s 135th birthday, and the Google logo celebrates his most famous works. His best known piece is the Kiss depicted as Google’s E.

The Kiss of peace is in full liturgical use with the Orthodox Churches and Roman Catholics. The French have their own secular version of it, as do many Mediterranean cultures:

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2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 9:1-15.
Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously to the collection for the followers in Jerusalem.
Verses 7-8 pretty much tell them what motivates giving: It benefits both the giver and the receiver. Steven Levitt writes for Freakonomics why “after a tragedy like the earthquake in Haiti, many people are moved to make financial contributions. For some people, as my friend and colleague John List’s work has made clear, it is simply the “warm glow” that one feels from giving, or a sense of duty borne out of social pressure, that drives giving. For others, actually making a difference in the lives of Haitians is paramount – the impact of the contribution matters.”

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2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 8:1-24. Paul sends a fund-raising message to the church in Corinth reminding them of the generous contributions of the people of Macedonia. Financial stewardship is a spiritual practice and every generation has to find their own reasons for giving to the church:

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