An Invitation
In nearly every Episcopal liturgy in which I have participated, the celebrant quotes from Ephesians 5:2 to invite the offerings of our time, talent, and treasure to be placed on the altar. “Walk in love,” the offertory sentence begins, “As Christ loved us…” These words are said at the pivotal moment in our liturgy as we move from the reading of and response to the Word into the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is poignant to observe that we mark this moment of transition with an invitation to walk in love.
When we walk in love, there is clarity and purpose. We move in alignment with each other and with our values. Walking in love is also something we cannot do alone – by definition it implies connection, community. Whether we walk with our children or our spouse, or form an orderly line, or rely on the help of a friend or a neighbor to come to chancel we carry with us all with whom we are in communion and they carry us with them. Our journey is one made by millions, over thousands of years. A cycle of sharing and invitation.
What a way to bring our gifts forward: first the bread and wine followed by the offering plates, and finally ourselves – walking in love! When we gather in love, bless, break, and share our gifts and ourselves with the world, we bring healing and transformation to our world.
This year you are invited to join in the timeless call to walk in love as you share your wealth, works, and wisdom with a world in need.
For Reflection:
- How is your ministry impacted as you understand yourself as one of the gifts invited to the altar to be shared with the world?
This reflection is written by J. Davey Gerhard, Canon for Stewardship and the Executive Director of TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship). He lives, works and worships in San Francisco, CA.