Saint Paul addressed his letter to the Corinthians with a heartfelt appeal. Paul says, “As brothers and sisters in Christ, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”
Immediately, this made me ponder the questions: How are we receiving the grace of God? Are we letting this great gift help us fulfill our mission each day, or do we sometimes fail to use this gift from God to help us?
Paul reminds the people of his time and ours of God’s message: “In an acceptable time, I heard you, and on the day of salvation, I helped you.”
In every Sacrament…we receive the grace of God, and we know that we also receive His grace in moments of prayer and even in moments we cannot even find a way to ask for His help. In this spirit, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God has heard them and helped them throughout their lives in various ways.
Last week, I was on vacation and had a chance to do some remembering. Talking with my Dad, who has a great memory, a new priest friend from Ireland, my ordination classmates, and other friends helped. I also went into the basement and found some old photo albums.
Each conversation and picture reminded me, as I am sure it would you, of a time, a chapter of your life, and the people and most important things happening at the time. In his letter, Paul recalls to the Corinthians what he and his fellow workers in the vineyard faced and how they responded.
I’d imagine that if you were to go over this reading later today, you’d find some common ground with St. Paul—hopefully not beatings or imprisonment—that some brothers and sisters face in their homelands.
You, too, have most likely faced afflictions and hardships. Sometimes, you may have been insulted or constrained because of your faith or even ostracized from certain circles.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the foundation for Paul’s message comes when we hear Jesus say, “When someone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” Jesus calls us to further acts of charity in sharing what we have with those in need, whether our time, talent, or treasure.
Saint Paul clearly states that being a follower of Jesus isn’t easy. But at the same time, he reminds us and cheers us on to overcome the moments of chastisement and sorrow by cooperating with God’s grace—a grace that allows us to live a life of purity of heart and body, one of faithfulness.
To God and those He has given us in our families and friendships, a life that includes patience and kindness when the natural reaction might be to do the very opposite.
So, how will you receive God's grace? Your answer will determine the outcome of the remainder of this day and, for that matter, for the rest of our lives.