I
f I must boast, I will
boast of the things that show my weakness.
f I must boast, I will
boast of the things that show my weakness.
When you read today’s
first reading from 2 Corinthians, it helps to remember Greek soldiers did not hesitate
to boast of their past and future triumphs. They were not subject to our standards
of modesty or humility. If their boasting before battle was proven presumptuous,
they wouldn’t be there to suffer the humiliation because they died in battle.
Saint Paul will upend
their pretentions. At his wits’ end after being informed of his rivals’ many accomplishments,
he boasts not of his achievements but of his suffering. As he has said to the
Galatians: But may I never boast except
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified
to me, and I to the world.
He did, however,
apologize for his madness. Cooling his heels in another Roman jail, he was all
the more distressed by the news from Corinth.
Saint Paul, more than
anyone else in the New Testament, allows us to see and feel his personal experience
of being a Christian. He shows us how one can view both sides of pain, its
misery and its satisfaction. Jesus had told us to take up our crosses and
follow him; and he had certainly led us on that road; but Saint Paul allows us
to know how it feels.
At one time he had vigorously
opposed the Christian “way,” now he supports it. At one time he stored up this
world’s accomplishments, now he despised them. At one time he caused suffering,
now he called it down upon himself – in imitation of Christ.
Saint Paul eagerly entered
the door Jesus had opened and assured us it’s not really that bad. The repulsive
becomes desirable; and the formerly desirable, insipid. As we face our occasional
crises, daily trials and the chronic illnesses that seem to pile up the longer
we live, the Apostle teaches us to rejoice in the Lord always.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.