Lectionary: 365
We cause no one to
stumble in anything,
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,…
in order that no fault may be found with our ministry;
on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves
as ministers of God, through much endurance,
in afflictions, hardships, constraints,…
In today’s first reading Saint Paul ponders the mystery of his own
ministry as an apostle. He has given himself totally to that work, abandoning
his family and all previous connections. He does not support an identity beyond
his apostleship. He occasionally earns a living by tent making but he does not
do that as a hobby, whenever he needs to get away from being a disciple. He
takes no days off or vacations; but his peripatetic lifestyle provides ample
opportunities for contemplation and reflection. He is never so relaxed as when
he is sharing the gospel with his friends and companions.
It seems his conscience – his “daily examination of
conscience” -- is guided by this principle, “We cause no one to stumble.”
This is a great challenge for anyone who has taken vows as a
religious, a priest, or a spouse. I must abandon some of my old behaviors. If I
could use certain language among my high school or college classmates, I must
forget it now in these new surroundings. If reading certain magazines or poring
over certain pictures seemed harmless at one time, I must put those childish
ways behind me. (As the oldest I remember my Dad read dime store paperbacks
with -- shall we say interesting? -- illustrations
on the cover. Mom told him to leave them
at work.)
As people totally dedicated to God, we cannot afford to
cause anyone to stumble by unnecessary or sinful foolishness. It is not okay to
say, “God will forgive me” when giving scandal to his little ones.
Saint Paul’s resolve in this new way of being was sorely
tested. He recalled Jesus’ patience under torture – a forbearance he had
personally witnessed when Saint Stephen was stoned – as he underwent afflictions, hardships, constraints, beatings,
imprisonments, riots, labors, vigils, fasts…. Even under those
circumstances he could not indulge in cursing his enemies: first because it
would scandalize his disciples and secondly because it would break his own
spirit.
As he guarded his thoughts, attitudes, words and deeds under
such trials, he witnessed his own growth in purity,
knowledge, patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love, in
truthful speech, in the power of God…. How amazing that must have been to
him! Who would have thought this adventurous, fire-breathing preacher could be
so gentle and so happy?
As he grew in virtue he found in his hands weapons of righteousness at the right and at
the left; through glory and dishonor, insult and praise.
Finally he discovered an amazing set of paradoxes,
We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful;as unrecognized and yet acknowledged;
as dying and behold we live;
as chastised and yet not put to death;
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing;
as poor yet enriching many;
as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
Clearly this was not the
accomplishment of one particular man; it was the Spirit of God moving in a
vessel of clay to inspire the world.
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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.