Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated.” (1 Cor. 13:4) This is scripture is known and loved by many. It is often chosen for Weddings because Paul’s words describe an ideal understanding of love. What few seem to realize is why Paul includes these words at the end of these two chapters of guidance on the proper use of spiritual gifts.
These eloquent words culminate a series of admonishments of the community in Corinth. Many in the community saw their spiritual gifts as something to be lorded over others. There was one-upmanship in who had the better gifts. People argued that speaking in tongues ranked higher than the gift of prophecy and vice versa. Paul tried to remind these Christians that the gifts of the Spirit were not for them as individuals at all. Every spiritual gift we have received has been given to us on behalf of the whole community. This nuance speaks clear through to the present as our culture continues to reinterpret faith through the lens of individualism.
For Paul and for us, a “me and Jesus” approach to faith disconnected from community is barely faith at all. Consider the letter of James and the discussion of faith and works. Spiritual gifts without love and community are childish. Paul’s challenge calls us to “put aside the childish.” (1 Cor. 13:11b) Like Paul, Jesus in today’s Gospel reminds the people to put aside their childish perspective. This challenge comes as Jesus senses the people’s distrust of genuine faith.
In light of the idealistic images of love, we are reminded that hatred of our neighbor, no matter who they are or what they have done, is unacceptable. Jesus’ message challenges this generation to give thanks to the Lord always, so that we live in a just manner, rooted in community of faith. The message calls us to live so that our lives lift up all those around us, instead of tear down; so that we put aside childishness in exchange for a mature faith rooted in wisdom and love.
Lord You call each of us to deeper faith. Today, help us to reflect on one way we can us to put aside the barriers which prevent us from loving You and one another unconditionally. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery