Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:1-11
Matthew 6:7-15
Reflection:
For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached.
Everywhere we turn today—on social media, in the news, even in our conversations—we hear cries about injustice. Constant noise. Voices shouting to be heard. Pointing fingers. If we’re not careful, we can get caught up in it, too.
And if we look closely at Second Corinthians, we hear a story all too familiar. In 1st Corinthians, Paul had previously established a church in Corinth. Afterwards, he heard they were not living as followers of Christ. People were divided against each other. Choosing sides. Picking their favorite apostle rather than focusing on becoming a follower of Christ. They had fallen back into sexual immorality, selfishness, and pride—so Paul paid them a visit. It is in Second Corinthians that if we look around, we too find ourselves much like the people of Corinth.
We are in the same situation.
So not is it only St Paul the Apostle, but St Paul of the Cross all of the saints urging us to look – to listen. St Paul the Apostle writes in “anguish and tears.” He hears of new eloquent speakers. He points out that he is not one of these “superapostles.” He was acknowledging that he himself was not a great speaker. But the difference is he knew Christ. He lived as a follower of Christ. He didn’t ask for money, handouts or burden anyone. He was honest and worked for what he had. He lived simply. Humbly. Faithfully. He lived Christ crucified.
So here we are today, surrounded by the noise. Injustice. Division. We have eloquent preachers who affect our beliefs and influencers who sway opinions.
We see the same story after story in the Bible repeating: people who were once oppressed becoming oppressors, all in the name of justice and equality. It has become a vicious cycle. Division over who is right and who is wrong – sometimes even within the Church – not by the love of Christ, but by the love of ideology.
We find ourselves not promoting justice or equality but rather screaming in the name of justice, crucifying others.
Have we forgotten our calling?
Have we lost our focus?
We are called to breathe life, not more conflict. To be living vessels- of Christ’s love in Truth.
So today, let us return to that mission. Tune out the noise of the world. Strive to be authentic with passion not for applause like a “superapostle” but for purpose. May we follow Christ in His example – to forgive others as He has forgiven us and to faithfully preach Christ crucified—not just with our words, but with our very lives.
Lori Kananen, LMC is the lay Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.