Today’s readings invite us to reflect on where we place our confidence. Since the beginning of time, people naturally admire intelligence, eloquence, success, and influence of others.
And, so we’re easily tempted to believe that success comes from impressive words, clever arguments, or personal ability.
But Saint Paul gives us a very different message. He reminds the Corinthians that when he arrived, he didn’t rely on lofty speech or human wisdom. Instead, he preached simply and poignantly only one thing: Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Paul’s words remind us that the Christian faith does not stand on human talent or aptitude. It stands on the power of God. St. Paul readily admits his weakness and fear and lifts up the power of God.
What St. Paul wants us to reflect on is that faith is not the result of a polished performance or a persuasive speaker, though they can get our attention. Rather, Faith is born and takes root when hearts are touched by God’s grace. This means that even when we feel like St. Paul, our words and actions can allow God’s ever present love to shine through.
This is an important lesson for us to keep in the forefront of our minds. For at times, we can hesitate or even fail to share our faith, to defend what is right, or even to speak about Christ.
We think we don’t know enough, aren’t holy enough, or aren’t brave enough. But Saint Paul shows us that God works through imperfect people. God asks only for our faithfulness. When we offer Him our lives, He can do great things and at times what we consider ordinary….but that make difference.
The other night as I was leaving the supermarket, thinking about important things like the Red Sox game, a man approached and asked for my blessing right in the main aisle beyond the cash registers. As he bowed his head I offered both a prayer and blessing. He thanked me and apologized for catching me during off hours…I told it made my night to be able to give him God’s blessing and that it was God that made it all possible.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm connects to this when the psalmist says, “How I love your law, O Lord! It is my meditation all the day.”
For God’s Word is not merely information; it is wisdom for life; often re-setting our discouragement or lack of charity. It teaches us how to think, how to choose, and how to walk on the right path in holiness, patience, and obedience.
We need God’s Word every day. For we live in a world that has no shortage of arguments and distractions, and incivility.
And, if we’re not careful, it’s easy to let our minds be shaped by the negativity and then our reaction to it can perpetuate the problem. But today the Lord is calling us back through His Word. He’s calling us to take the time to reflect on it so that He can guide us and keep our feet from evil and lead us in the Truth.
So today let’s take some time ask ourselves: What is my faith resting on? Is it resting on my own strength, my own understanding, my own control? Or is it resting on the power of God…in Jesus Christ and Him Crucified for us and the world.