January 19
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.”
Readings
Reflection
Today, St. Paul offers a discourse on the varieties of functions that exist within the Christian Community. It is important for us to remember, as we read St. Paul’s letters, that he is writing to the early Church, often in an attempt to correct their behavior, or to allow them to realize that they have been the recipient of gifts from God. The functions that a person may undertake are manifestations of the Spirit.
Paul speaks of these functions as “Gifts,” “Ministries,” and “Works.”
The function of “Gifts,” such as speaking in tongues and the gift of prophesy served to bring members of the community closer to the God, whom they sought. Often the “Gifts” were made known to the gathered community through worship, with those who possessed those gifts using them for the benefit of all.
The function of “Ministry” was the service in which an individual performed within the community for the benefit of an individual or group within the community, and is seen as a giving of oneself to anyone in need. Often the duties associated with the function of ministry were seen as menial tasks, but necessary for the benefit of all.
The function of “Works” were often feats of great energy or power, perhaps even divine power, that brought good fortune or benefit to the greater community of believers.
Although it would appear to the casual reader that some of these functions would be more highly valued than others it is important to understand that these gifts come from the Spirit of God, thus rendered them all equally valuable. We must realize that individuals who possessed these functions were not given them for their own enrichment or benefit, but for the benefit of the entire community.
We must recognize that the Spirit of God is active in each one us, and it calls us to use what God has given us for the benefit of others. This weekend, as we reflect on St. Paul’s First Letter he wrote to the Church in Corinth, we might consider how and for whom we use what God has given us.
Peace,
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