Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Luke 4:38-44
Reflection:
I was sitting with friends today talking about how we are always in a hurry. We are in a hurry with driving, always on a schedule, living by the clock. Our society even wants a remedy for rapid results: A pill to lose weight fast, a pill for sleep, and a pill for more energy so we can do more than we already have time for. We as a society are not making enough time for ourselves. We are squeezing too much into our already busy schedules. Our ability to really enjoy life with our family and friends is buried in the distractions and the rush of our hectic schedules. In the end our spiritual life suffers greatly. Why are we in a hurry? Where are we going? Where are we evolving to?
As I reflect on Paul’s teaching in today’s scripture reading, I realize that we have not evolved spiritually. Even though nearly 2000 years have passed, we are still "infants in Christ". Our society as a whole is spiritually immature and undeveloped. Many are unprepared to accept God’s grace and salvation. Many are searching for something to fill their spiritual void. However, in our search we are easily overcome by life’s distractions. We are people "still of the flesh" unprepared to received "the solid food". We are afflicted with physical desires, anger, and jealousy. In today’s world we have more distractions with technology and moral dilemmas. In our search, we go to church but again we become easily distracted with our schedules and do not spend the time we should reflecting and praying.
Paul teaches us that he and other apostles are instruments of God to lead the way to Christ but it is God that causes the spiritual growth. Through God’s grace and love we have the potential for spiritual growth. Our church leaders are "coworkers with God" and we are "the field". This field needs fertilizing, watering and nurturing. God laid the foundation and we are His building but it is up to us to take the time for doing good deeds, praying and reflecting on the Gospel in order to grow closer to Him and to understand the mystery of His Kingdom.
Through prayer and reflection we receive spiritual healing and growth. Jesus healed and drove out the demons in Luke 4. As we learn to slow down and take the time for reflection and prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to enter us more freely to heal and expel our demons so that we may come to understand God’s grace and love. Only then will we be prepared to receive "the solid food " that God has waiting for us in His Kingdom.
Ana Overley, M.D., Assistant Professor at The University of Louisville Department of Internal Medicine, and Secretary of the Pastoral Council at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Louisville ,Ky.