Year A: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3

Today we begin a series of readings from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

Paul had not had much success in his attempts to preach the Good News in the cultured and prosperous city of Athens and, he says later in this letter, admits that he approached Corinth “weak, fearful and trembling”

He had good cause - if he couldn’t get his message across in a city used to listening and intelligent debate and conversation, what hope was there in this huge, cosmopolitan cit. By the standards of the time, the population of half-a-million was enormous. What made it worse was that half the population were slaves drafted in to labour in the port.

Like many ports, there were merchants and sailors - and people from many countries and cultures rubbed shoulders. It was a meeting place - but, unlike Athens, civilised discussion of differences probably took second place to arguments and brawls! There were brothels - and the seamy side of life causes Paul himself cause for concern and comment as he tries to set out the way to live as a Christian in such an unpromising setting.

And yet, this community became one of the most vibrant of the Christian church - so much so that, in fact, Paul sometimes has to rein in their enthusiasm - especially in the matter of the gifts of the Spirit!

Why should this be?

Perhaps it is yet another sign of God’s option for the poor - the dispossessed - those on the margins.

These were the people to whom Paul introduced the Gospel - and these were people who needed to hear that Good News.

He did not start by preaching full-time - but found a job as a tent-maker. It is likely that as many converts were made by this work as by his teaching. We can assume that, in his daily work and meetings with people, Paul practised what he preached - and people saw the difference and were attracted to it. Only later did he spend more time in full-time ministry.

This can be our way to be disciples too - in the everyday work-a-day world.

Our world is more similar to Corinth that to Athens! It is cosmopolitan - and cultures slash - but people are still hungry - yearning for something that gives life meaning.

We have something that gives great meaning to life - we have the Good News to share - not just by preaching pious words but by living what we say we mean. 

What does it mean for me?

How does your life attract people? How can you bring what you believe into your daily life - without even saying a word?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

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