“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
Matthew 6:2-4 NRSV
Philanthropy
the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good cause
When the elite "Richie Rich's" of the world divorce the news of vast financial settlements is splashed around as though it really matters to us lowly folk who gawk for a while, then move on. Most recently it was Bill and Melinda Gates who parted company, but three years ago it was Mackenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame who mutually and civlly pulled the plug on a 25-year marriage. The settlement made Scott the third wealthiest woman on the planet with $38 billion.
What was noteworthy, from my perspective, was her commitment to giving away that wealth. This is a promise which she is keeping having bestowed $19 billion to various causes around the world, including here in Canada. Habitat for Humanity has received nearly half a billion, Black colleges have benefitted, organizations which address mental health and addictions and reproductive rights. The other day an umbrella organization for Canadian environmental groups was given $19 million without knowing that they were even on the radar for Scott's foundation's generosity.
By and large, Scott keeps a personal low profile with these gifts, although the magnitude and scope brings lots of attention. There are no expectations that her name be displayed on any edifice or any of the other quid pro quo expectations which are often part of big donations. And there will be a searchable database for the organizations which have been recipients in a move toward transparency.
The philanthropy of the rich is intriguing because wealth can make a signficant and immediate difference for the wellbeing of others. Yet we need to ask how that wealth was derived, and what the motivation is, and whether this form of generosity is appeasement or a tax dodge. In Scott's case her wealth actually grew through the pandemic as Amazon made obscene profits and workers benefitted very little.
Through the years of congregational ministry there were signature gifts from some well-to-do individuals which were welcome for certain projects. And I was convinced that in most cases the donations were genuine and faith-full. I was never comfortable, though, when congregations felt compelled to be especially deferential to these people or that there needed to be what could seem like fawning recognition. The truth is that in most faith communities the majority of money to carry out ministry comes from everyday folk who make decisions for stewardship and even tithing which never get high-profile recognition. As disciples of Christ who believe in the mission of their expression of the Body of Christ they give.
Jesus said that "you always have the poor with you" and his crucified body was laid in the tomb of a wealthy benefactor rather than thrown on the rubbish heap of the executed. He also warned against the accumulation of wealth and making a show of generosity
I am not sure that there is an easy answer here, so we can each choose to respond with compassion, love, and generosity in Christ's name
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed;
to turn, turn will be our delight
'til by turning, turning, we come round right.
Simple Gifts VU 353
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