2 Corinthians 13: Weakness and Strength
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Following on the heels of yesterday’s Noontime we see the continuation of the theme of inversion which we always find when we seek Christ.
When we page through the Book of Sirach we come across many wise words about arrogance. In Sirach 10:7-16 we see that pride is a kind of domination over others: Odious to the Lord and to men is arrogance, and the sin of oppression they both hate.
We struggle for independence and compassion and too often create or find schism and haughtiness.
Let us spend time with Sirach today, and as we do we pray.
Mysterious and incarnate Christ, show us the power of humility and meekness.
Human and divine Jesus, guide us that we might see the corrupting influence of power and prestige.
Obedient and healing Christ, help us to understand that our cross is our pathway to you.
We strive for what we already have and this is the same lure that drew in Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden. We want to be like gods and we do not realize, or do not know or remember, that we find our own divinity in Christ. We do not realize, or do not know or remember, that we are one with God in the Spirit. We do not realize, or do not know or remember, that we have no need of little gods for we are, through the grace and kindness of Christ, one in union with God.
Paul reminds us that our weakness makes us strong, our poverty makes us rich. This is the wealth we will want to store up. This is the power we will want to wield. Let us remember this message today and all days.
Adapted from a reflection written on June 14, 2008. Click on the image above for posts on perseverance and growth, or visit: http://theoutsidewithin.com/tag/plants/
To learn more about the Book of Sirach, visit: http://biblehub.com/dictionary/s/sirach.htm
The Noontimes 