5 Sep
Wed
22nd Week in Ordinary Time
St Teresa of Kolkata, Religious
1 Cor. 3:1-9
Ps. 33(32):12-13,14-15,20-21
Lk. 4:38-44
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

The Christians in Corinth were quite proud of themselves. As far as they were concerned, they were spiritually miles ahead of everyone else. Some had set themselves apart as teachers and wonder workers, and before long this spiritual competition had divided the community into factions. And the one forgotten in this mess was Jesus Himself! Paul deflates their claims by measuring them against God's standard: love, unity, and cooperation. If they are as spiritual as they claim to be, then they should not be focusing attention on themselves, but on the Lord. They should recognize the gifts and talents for what they are: gifts to be used for the good of the community. Above all, the peace and unity of the community should be their primary concern. Since they have failed in all these areas, Paul hits them with the truth. They are still very much caught in human sin and weakness, for they are still centered on the self and acting in a competitive manner. We all form one body, animated by one spirit, and work for one end, which is God. In the Kingdom of God, no one is more important than another.



Lord, help me to focus on You rather than myself.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2018. All rights reserved.