2 Corinthians 11:1-29: False Apostles
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Paul contrasts apostles of the light with those of the dark in today’s reading. As we have before in our Noontime journey, we know that evil is everywhere, present in the many small and big ways that we allow division to happen within ourselves and within our communities. Wherever difference occurs, demons and their works flourish. Using the most insidious of methods, false prophets take on the guise of protection and guidance but they deliver deception and manipulation. We can feel Paul’s frustration in his words today.
For a detailed commentary we can look at notes; as an overview we might consider these words from yesterday’s Evening Prayer in MAGNIFICAT, and we might use them in a prayer offering to God this evening. The mini-reflection: We can use our treasured capacity for speech to offer prayer as fragrant as incense before God or to offer hurt to another. Psalm 19:15: May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favor in your sight, O Lord. Psalm 141: I have called to you, Lord; hasten to help me! Hear my voice when I cry to you. Let my prayer arise before you like incense, the raising of my hands like an evening oblation. Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips! Do not turn my heart to things that are wrong, to evil deeds with men who are sinners. Never allow me to share in their feasting. If a good man strikes or reproves me it is kindness; but let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head. To you, Lord God, my eyes are turned: in you I take refuge.
Both the psalmist and Paul recognize the power of words, those which we say and those we hear. They also recognize our human need to be in society, to share meals, time, problems and prayer. They know that evil and goodness live side by side and that it is often difficult to discern the difference between the two.
As we struggle to determine if the apostles we follow are true or false, as we struggle to remain faithful apostles of Christ rather than the false apostles Paul describes for us today, we pray.
Loving and patient God, we lift our prayer to you like incense in the night. May our prayers be pleasing to you.
Knowing and persistent God, we struggle to discern the difference between false and true leaders. May our eyes see with your wisdom and love.
Faithful and just God, we abide with and in your Spirit. May our hearts be always open to you.
Strong and compassionate Christ, we look to you as a model of how we are to act in the world. May our hands and feet be willing followers of your Way.
We ask this today and all days. Amen.
In different versions, Psalm 19 has a varying number of verses. Use the link above go to the last verse in this psalm for other translations.
Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 21.10(2009). Print.
Adapted from a reflection written on October 21, 2009.
Image from: http://fortheloveofhistruth.com/category/false-teachers/
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