1 Corinthians 15:1-11: The Teaching
Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019
For a capsule view of the teaching Paul repeats so often we can go to Acts 17 and 18 when he is in Athens and about to depart for Corinth. He delivers his message as he always does, telling the marvelous story of how we only need to rely on God, how God has come among us to live and suffer and die and rejoice as one of us, and of how we are all brothers and sisters of this God who has risen and who wishes to have us with him in intimate union. This wonderful message is received in three ways: some scoff, some say they like the idea but are too busy at the moment to hear more, others believe . . . and join Paul in his mission.
We are offered this same opportunity each day as we rise, as we pray, as we work, as we play. We choose whether we want to poke fun, to be lukewarm, or to become fervent in our dedication to this simple yet amazing story.
From the MAGNIFICAT evening reflection on Acts 16:26 when the disciples are freed from shackles by an earthquake: Just as the disciples were delivered from prison, so were all of us delivered from the prison of sin and death by the resurrection of Christ and the gift of the Spirit. In moments of discouragement, let us remember the hope that lights our way to a goal far more wonderful than we can imagine even now.
The other citations all direct us to reflect on what to do when we are discouraged. Psalm 126, along with Baruch 4:22-23 (I have trusted in the Eternal God for your welfare, and joy has come to me from the Holy One . . . With mourning and lament I sent you forth, but God will give you back to me with enduring gladness and joy) and Isaiah 55:11 (My word shall not return to me void but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it).
When we become discouraged we only need to remember The Teaching: God has come among us to walk with us, to bring us release and peace and even joy.
They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 126:5-6)
Let us join Christ in the song, let us join Paul in the harvest, and let us join one another in peace and joy.
Amen.
Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 20.5 (2009). Print.
For more on Paul in Corinth click on the image above or go to: http://members.bib-arch.org/publication.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume=14&Issue=3&ArticleID=1
Written on May 20, 2009 and re-posted today.
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