Dear companions,

In this coming Sunday’s epistle reading, St. Paul writes to the church in Corinth: “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” In the following lines, Paul differentiates between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of God is often not lofty, but simple; it is not ostentatious but secret and hidden. It is not understood by the rulers of this age, but is made present to those in weakness and suffering. And though the gifts of the world often escape the grasp of the believer, we are offered something far greater–the gifts of the spirit.

These gifts of the spirit and paradoxical wisdom are so often made present in the materially poor. Those

who have been forsaken by the powers of this world are indeed gifted by the spirit. While this may not always be immediately evident, we are told as Christians that we come to a fuller knowledge of Christ through our relationship to the poor, the dispossessed, and the maligned.

At Trinity Church, we have the immense gift of sharing space–physical, material, and spiritual–with a ministry that prioritizes the lived experience and witness of the materially poor. Our arrangement is unique. Indeed, it is not always easy. But ultimately our partnership draws us nearer to the Kingdom of God.

I offer my thanks for your continued support in our ministry together. Without the good people of Trinity, Church of the Advocate would simply not be functional. May we continue to grow closer to the Kingdom together.

In thanks,

Mike +