The biblical vision for abundant life articulates an economic system that meets basic human needs for all people. The biblical narrative, from the Old Testament through Jesus in the Gospels to Paul's writing, calls on the church to respond to the needs of our neighbors both near and far.

The present economic crisis is affecting millions of people, here in the United States and around the world. Many have lost their jobs, houses and access to life's basic needs such as food, health care, and education. Throughout the Bible, a time of crisis was often coupled with an opportunity for confession, forgiveness and reform. During this time of a global economic crisis, the MCC Washington Office has launched a campaign calling for reform in our economic system.

The campaign will focus on four specific areas of U.S. policy: U.S. health care, international debt, U.S. housing and global trade. Congregations in the United States will have the opportunity to pray, reflect and act by setting aside one Sunday for each topic. Materials, information and resources will be available through the Washington Memo, a quarterly newsletter from the Washington Office.

The first area of focus will be the reform of the U.S. health care system. The title for the first Sunday is "And Many Were Healed: Healthcare for All." The Washington Office called on congregations to set July 19 as the day of prayer and action for health care reform in the United States. Congregations can also choose a different Sunday if that is more convenient.

In John's gospel Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (10:10b). The Gospel of John is filled with wonderfully rich images of Jesus. In John 10, Jesus describes himself as a good shepherd, and also as the gate through which the sheep can enter. He contrasts this with "thieves and bandits" who make false promises but deliver only emptiness and disappointment. Jesus, however, says that he came to bring abundant life.

Often as Christians we have spiritualized Jesus' words and understood them as referring only to a promise of eternal life. Clearly Jesus does promise his followers eternal life. But his actions also demonstrated that abundant life begins here and now. Jesus cared deeply about people's whole beings--their physical, spiritual and emotional needs--and drew no false separations among them.

Congregations can respond to Jesus' vision for abundant life by participating in the campaign for Abundant Life and Economic Justice for All. Visit <http://washington.mcc.org/life> for more information.