Scripture:
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Matthew 5:38-42
Reflection:
Wow! The Apostle Paul can’t hold himself back. With a flood of words Paul appeals to the Corinthians to be reconciled with him. He pleads that the gift of God’s grace warms their hearts to reconcile with him. Don’t let the moment pass. This is the time! This is the day of salvation! It is a cry from the heart of a man who has given himself totally to ministry for others. His ministry has cost him hardships, beatings, and imprisonment. No matter. He reminds the Corinthian Church that he has endured these labors with patience and kindness, not by his own efforts, but in the Holy Spirit and in the power of God. We too can reflect on the paradox of our own experience. Like Paul our experiences have a dark and a bright side. There is a time for sadness and a time for joy. We can have nothing in a material sense, but can give love and support to all who are needy. We can have few possessions, but be rich in spirit. Let us go forward then with confidence in God.
Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.