2 Corinthians 3: The Mystery of Ministry
Sunday, July 3, 2022
We so often find that in ministering to the fears and needs of others, we ourselves find confidence and sustenance. Paul reminds us that when we minister in Jesus’ name, we enter into an eternal and unbreakable covenant with Christ. This is the present truth and the future promise of entering into ministry to others.
If the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, was so glorious that the Israelites could not look intently at the face of Moses because of its glory that was going to fade, how much more will the ministry of the Spirit be glorious?
When we bring hope to others we learn to live in hope.
For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, the ministry of righteousness will abound much more in glory.
When we determine to carry joy to others we also live in joy.
Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory . . .
When we bring hope to others we become hope itself.
Therefore, if we have such hope, we act boldly and not like Moses who put a veil over his face . . .
When we humbly minister in Christ’s name, we find our fear and despair dissolve into hope and joy. We find that death becomes life and sorrow becomes joy.
All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
James Tissot: The Woes of the Pharisees
We need not hide or fear the light of our ministry for it is freely given by God to those who humble themselves in Christ’s service. When we minister to others in Christ’s name, God’s Spirit rests in us and shines forth from us. This is the fruit and gift of ministry God offers us today.
Jesus speaks to the scribes and Pharisees to call them to ministry. Are we blind guides or God’s prophets? Are we white-washed tombs or Jesus’ ministers? Are we or broods of vipers or humble servants in the Spirit? To further examine this theme, visit Matthew 23 and reflect on verse 12 in particular.
Images from: https://mycatholic.life/catholic-question-and-answer/q-raising-hands-during-the-our-father/ and https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_Woe_unto_You,_Scribes_and_Pharisees_%28Malheur_%C3%A0_vous,_scribes_et_pharisiens%29_-_James_Tissot.jpg
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