Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
“Therefore, do not make any judgements before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.” This last verse from today’s reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (4:1-5), stood out to me – especially the last phrase, “then everyone will receive praise from God.” ! It makes me wonder, was Paul using some sarcasm there? Or being encouragingly optimistic about the motives of the people of Corinth’s hearts?
Today’s reading from Paul’s letter, which is a continuation of the letter read earlier and throughout this weekday’s liturgies, speaks to concerns about the need for humility and being cautious about prideful boasting and judging others. For only God truly knows “the motives of our hearts” and will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness.”
Perhaps Paul was also remembering the Old Testament words of the prophet Daniel who prays, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power are his.…He reveals deep and hidden things and knows what is in the darkness, for the light dwells with him.” (2:20,22)
I don’t know about you, but I find Paul’s words both challenging and encouraging that when the motives of our hearts are, indeed, manifest, that we will receive praise from God. Rather than spending our efforts on judging others, let us pray for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit that Paul’s words may be so for each of us who strive to live a life of discipleship. Amen.
—Eileen Miller